Rivers of Babylon

The collaboration between Ludovilk “Ilk“ Myers and Julien Colombier is based on the principle of freedom of experimentation. Nevertheless, their two art practices and styles are different, but they complement each other outstandingly well. At the beginning the artists followed a clear and structured working process, in which Myers painted the background in a rather abstract way and Colombier complemented the composition with figurative elements. But soon they gave free rein to their creativity and realized that a change of roles as well as a mixed approach was appropriate. This is where they realized that the magic was happening, as the artists report: „As soon as we start painting we completely merge.“ The four-handed creation process should not be underestimated. In the complete series Rivers Of Babylon the works appear as if they were created from one hand only. The multilayered process creates cascading interactions that only stop when both artists are satisfied. Together Myers and Colombier have built a vessel for the harmonious merging of two styles to generate a new and united creative identity.

Their paintings speak in moods and atmospheres. A storyline can be recognized, an atmosphere can be sensed and yet the interpretation of its content is completely open. The shading and hints of the figurative and organic shapes allow stories to be foreseen and thoughts to be spun. The superimposition of abstract elements and harmonious colouring yet suggest a certain surreality.

Besides the fun that they experience while creating collaborative artworks, it results as an inspiring process and promotes progress in their personal creative practice. Finally, Myers and Colombier end up with wonderful surprises, that they want to share with the public.

Tania di Brita