Étienne Gros’ smoke drawing technique is based on a simple and radical principle: no longer ‘touching’ the paper with your hand, but letting the smoke deposit the drawing in its place. He uses oil lamps or controlled flames, varying the size of the wicks to change the intensity of the smoke, much like one would change brushes to obtain thicker or thinner lines. The sheet is held above the flame and it is the movement of the sheet in the air, rather than that of the hand drawing, that creates the shapes: swirls, shadows and silhouettes of bodies appear through the condensation of carbon on the paper.
Technique : carbon deposit from flame, smoke drawing
Support : paper
Dimensions : 46 x 30 cm / 18,1 x 11,8 in - dimension cadre 65 x 50 cm /25,5 x 19,6 in
Authentication : certificate of authenticity, work signed by the artist
Unique artwork : yes
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