Biography | Artistic Approach
François Arès (b. 1979, Alberta) is based in Montreal. His approach revolves around the dot as a primordial mark: a singular notation of position, devoid of dimension, yet imbued with significant presence. Through the use of negative space and the deliberate absence of conventional perspectival cues, Arès invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of traditional spatial representation, suggesting the existence of an imperceptible dimension within seemingly straightforward compositions. The apparent rigour of his method is balanced by an embrace of gestural imperfection, introducing a subtle tension between conceptual precision and painterly spontaneity.
The distinctiveness of his Définition series lies in its unique technique of layering multiple sheets of clear plexiglass, upon which a multitude of black dots or pure colours accumulate to create a complex optical blend. The silhouettes that emerge capture fleeting moments - like cells suspended in time - whose full meaning and form take shape only through the viewer’s gaze. It is this act of perception that activates and completes the work.
In his Instants suspendus series, Arès offers an innovative exploration of the expressive potential of the dot as an autonomous pictorial element. In these compositions, where natural landscapes and fleeting human presences interact, the artist reflects on our relationship with time and space. His meticulous technique of juxtaposing acrylic dots reaches an almost metaphysical dimension: each work becomes a microcosm, a suspended world, which resists immediate comprehension and invites sustained visual engagement.
François Arès’ work goes beyond representing the visible world; it offers a visual meditation on how we inhabit the present moment, defying traditional classifications to establish a profoundly personal artistic language.