From Jan. 27 to March 31, 2023, artist Purna Renault will exhibit her sculptures in the buildings of the Educational Academy. Key concepts in her working process are surrender and spontaneity, the pure and organic in the materials she works with. In this exhibition fear emerges as both a personal and universal theme. You are welcome throughout the period and especially on Sunday, January 29 for the opening! We let Purna herself speak.

Purna Renault in her own words
My work arises spontaneously. I follow an inner flow and in that surrender to the process, emotions take shape. Without rules, without prescription, without limitation, finding and experiencing confidence. I like to research and experiment. The organic nature of the materials I work with gives the impression that it has not (yet) been touched by humans. I love that purity, that natural and pure.’

‘I work very much with what wants to take shape in a moment, in that moment. In that sense, it is a very pure and purifying expression.’

‘Right now I’m working a lot with red and white. These colors connect me to the inside of the body, to pain but also to recovery. I see and feel fear everywhere. This is a personal but also universal theme of all times and all people. The works shown are expressions of pain and recovery.’

Who is Purna Renault?
In her youth, Purna lived in the mountains of India for 9 years. This experience made her feel that she did not identify with just one culture. This also fueled the way she works and the materials she uses. Specifically, clay, plaster, wax, iron, bronze, textiles, etc. She is very inspired by where she grew up: whether it be the mountains, the craftsmanship of the locals or their understanding of skill, it all plays a big part in who she is and how she approaches art. Furthermore, she is inspired by different media such as photography, textile art, ink, performance art, jewelry, etc.

For her, sculpture is about form changing from every angle, something that requires presence, stability, expression and encompasses dimensions. Her work is instinctive, emotional and sincere with attention to detail, love of spontaneity and feeling for the material she uses. Above all, her approach is personal. Everything she works on can be viewed and felt in an individual way.

Practical
>Are you taking classes at EA? Then you can admire ‘Facing fear’ continuously on class days between 10am and 5pm.
>Not an EA student? You are welcome to attend the preview on Sunday, January 29 from 2 to 6 pm.
>Keep an eye on our social media!