Antide: The Alchemist of Gold, Time and Stories
In archaeology, there is a poetry of time, a revelation of the dramas played out in the fleeting moment, and a quest for permanence. This philosophy inhabits each creation of Antide, a visual artist specializing in the art of gold leaf. His work explores the ephemeral and the eternal, the human and nature, matter and light.
Through his creations, he sublimates noble materials such as wood, metal, stone and canvas. Each work is an exploration where light and matter meet to reveal a timeless and universal beauty. Inspired by the poetry of fleeting moments, the artist seeks to capture, under a thin layer of gold, the essence of the ephemeral and eternity, translating a profoundly poetic vision of the contemporary world.
In his studio in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, bathed in Mediterranean light, Antide begins each work with a careful observation of the raw material. Wood, metal, or stone are first chosen for their soul, before being transformed under a thin layer of gold that reveals their essence.
“Creating with gold is a dialogue with eternity while honoring the moment.”
Gold, a bridge between matter and light
At the heart of each creation, gold acts as a revealer. Golden reflections, moving forms, vibrant reliefs: in Antide's hands, inanimate matter seems to come to life. This approach is not limited to aesthetics; it embodies a philosophical and sensitive quest. Every morning, facing the Mediterranean bathed in light, Antide draws his inspiration from the dialogue between the sky and the sea. This infinite horizon nourishes his imagination and infuses his works with a dreamlike and solar dimension.
The texts: whispers inseparable from the works
Antide's creations tell their story not only through their visual presence: they are each accompanied by a text written by the artist. These texts are much more than descriptions. They form a literary work in themselves, capturing the emotions, intentions, and poetry behind each piece. Through his words, Antide reveals what the work represents, what it says about him and the world around him. These vibrant and evocative narratives add soul to the creations and invite the viewer to enter a universe where art and literature converse.
“Each creation is born from an encounter: a golden reflection on a calm sea, a forgotten object bearing the marks of time, or the pure poetry of a sunrise over the Mediterranean.”
The object as witness and messenger
In Antide's art, the object becomes the starting point for a metamorphosis. Used, abandoned, or relegated to silence, they find a new voice beneath the layer of gold applied by the artist. "Gold is a kiss in return for their words," Antide likes to say, for whom each creation is a poetic declaration. These transformed objects become witnesses to our humanity, reflecting both what we are and what we define ourselves to be.
An aesthetic between modernity and tradition
Antide subtly blends contemporary art with ancestral techniques, transcending eras and influences. By abolishing the boundaries between the ephemeral and the timeless, he offers unique works, deeply rooted in modernity while paying homage to the craftsmanship of yesteryear. His creations capture the Mediterranean spirit, with a golden light that seems to suspend time, inviting the viewer to contemplate the brilliance of the materials and the stories they embody.