Discover the Essence of SEB MACHTEN’s Artistry
Driven by a constant thirst for discovery, I felt the need to move beyond the fixed and sometimes overly static nature of contemporary art. My goal is to create works that transport the viewer into a more dynamic, lively, and multidimensional universe, where light and shadow play a fundamental role.
I seek to explore the relationship between the object, its reflection, and its shadow, as a metaphor for human beings and their complexity: the light of a soul, its true reflection, and its shadow. This approach invites the viewer to question their inner self, but also their superego.
In my Pop Art works, the object is no longer the center of attention. It becomes secondary, giving way to a subtle dialogue between light, shadow, and reflection. Ambient light is used as living matter: it bursts forth from the work, revealing its details, then transforming them as it varies. The viewer, by their mere presence, influences the work: the colors of their clothes, their position, and their angle of view alter the perceived experience, making them a full-fledged participant.
I am particularly interested in extremes, both hyper-sensoriality and raw power, which I seek to convey in my creations. Certain pigments play a central role in this research, notably ultramarine blue, whose vibratory intensity resonates deeply with me. I seek to combine this vibrational sensitivity with powerful yet deliberately refined forms, in order to preserve the fragile balance of this alchemy and maintain the emotional intensity without distorting it.
Background
Born in Paris in 1973 and introduced to art at a very young age, I grew up in an environment where art and sensitivity played a central role. My mother, who was passionate about Oriental art and an amateur painter, instilled in me a love of contemplation, attention to detail, and the ability to perceive beauty in the harmony of shapes and colors. My father, meanwhile, introduced me to working with materials and the pursuit of excellence. These two complementary influences, one focused on sensitivity and the other on rigor, shaped in me a unique vision, oscillating between emotion and technicality, intuition and high standards.
My professional career then led me to explore a variety of particularly enriching technical fields. This path allowed me to develop a close relationship with people, through an approach marked by listening and empathy. These experiences sharpened my eye and reinforced my conviction that what is essential lies beyond words, appearances, or postures. I have learned to detect subtle signals, to capture what lies hidden in the gaps, in the shadows or in the unspoken words that escape language.
It is this quest, both sensitive and analytical, that fuels my artistic approach. It invites me to create works that act as revelations, capable of bringing to light what lies hidden behind the filter of the soul: inner truths, invisible vibrations, messages buried in the shadows.
