10 Questions with Timothée Mahuzier

Born in 1976, Timothée lives and works between Paris and the Normandy countryside. His exhibition journey began in the 2000s, notably in group exhibitions with the Area Gallery at the Art Paris Fair, as well as in Geneva, Beirut, and Seoul. He has also participated several times in the MacParis Artists' Fair. His latest exhibition took place at the MacParis fair in early June 2023 at the Bastille Design Center. In 2025, he will exhibit in Paris and Knokke in Belgium.

Particular attention is given to using environmentally friendly and local materials, such as a bio-based binder manufactured in Normandy, linen canvas manufactured in France, pigments that pose no danger to humans or the environment, and recycled paper.

timahuz.com | @timahuz

Timothée Mahuzier - Portrait in the Paris workshop

Verdures | Project Description

When Timothée began this series of paintings, he was inspired by the Verdures, Renaissance tapestries rich in foliage motifs. His stencil and imprint approach creates complex chaos, working within an undergrowth that feels logical. Timothée paints outdoors, engaging with the motif similarly to 19th-century landscape painters, yet he creates the works' with' nature rather than 'from' it, resulting in a form of abstract landscape art. Using prints and stencils with spray paint, each branch, leaf, and tree has its own vocabulary, with no reproduction or drawing involved. The environment is presented rather than imitated, generating rich density through the plants' proximity to the canvas. Chance and surprise are central to Timothée's process, making the experience engaging and unexpected. Each species contributes its identity, creating an organic narrative through shapes and patterns from his garden. The artwork can evoke sensations ranging from microscopic details to celestial constellations, inviting contemplation of the small and large. Timothée's paintings are not mere replicas but evoke feelings, allowing viewers to recognize familiar shapes while activating personal memories and reflections. These open-ended works serve as catalysts for individual experiences and self-discovery.

Verdure, Biobased painting on linen, 97x130 cm, 50x70 cm, 2024 © Timothée Mahuzier

INTERVIEW

When did you first get interested in art? And how did you develop into the artist you are today?

My interest in art has been present for as long as I can remember, but my development as an artist was profoundly shaped by my connection to nature. This connection inspired me to explore creative processes rooted in direct interaction with my surroundings. Over time, I moved away from conventional methods of representation and embraced a philosophy of collaboration with nature, which continues to define my practice today.

Why did you choose painting over other mediums? What does it represent for you, and how does it help you convey your message?

Painting offers an immediacy and physicality that resonates with my approach. It allows me to respond intuitively to the textures, patterns, and energy of the natural world. The act of painting becomes a dialogue between the environment and myself, presenting the essence of nature rather than replicating it. This medium enables me to evoke feelings and impressions that transcend words or static forms.

Verdure, Biobased painting on linen, 120x160 cm, 2024 © Timothée Mahuzier

Verdure, Biobased painting on linen, 150x200 cm, 2024 © Timothée Mahuzier

Can you elaborate on your working process 'with' nature rather than 'from' it? How does this philosophy influence the materials and techniques you use?

Working "with" nature means engaging directly with its elements—leaves, branches, and textures—rather than using them as mere subjects. I use stencils and impressions to let the environment shape the work organically. This philosophy extends to my materials; I prioritize eco-friendly resources like bio-based binders, non-toxic pigments, and locally produced linen. The process is not about control but about embracing chance and surprise, allowing nature to guide the outcome.

Your art bridges the gap between Renaissance-inspired motifs and contemporary abstraction. What drew you to the Verdures tapestries as a starting point for your current series?

The Verdures tapestries captivate me with their intricate depictions of foliage and their timeless connection to nature.They offer a historical framework that inspires my exploration of organic forms. By reinterpreting these motifs through contemporary abstraction, I aim to honor their richness while introducing a fresh dialogue about nature's complexities and the ways we perceive it today.

Your commitment to environmentally friendly materials is remarkable. What challenges have you faced in sourcing and using sustainable resources like bio-based binders and pigments?

Sourcing sustainable materials requires careful research and often comes with limitations in availability or performance. For example, ensuring that bio-based binders are durable and compatible with my techniques took time. However, these challenges are outweighed by the satisfaction of creating art that aligns with my values. Using environmentally conscious materials strengthens the integrity of my work and reinforces the connection between art and the environment.

Verdure, Biobased painting on linen, 130x162 cm, 2024 © Timothée Mahuzier

You paint outdoors, much like 19th-century landscape painters. How does the environment around you shape each piece, and how does working in Normandy influence your art?

The French landscape painters of the 19th century are a key historical reference for me. I've always admired their plein-air approach—working directly in nature—and how they brought the outdoors to life on canvas. I try to incorporate that spirit into my own work. Additionally, the abstract revolution of the 20th century has also influenced me. I see my paintings as abstract landscapes, bridging these two traditions.
Painting outdoors immerses me in the environment's immediate textures, colors, and rhythms. Normandy's unique light, lush vegetation, and shifting seasons infuse my work with a sense of place and temporality. The ever-changing surroundings inspire a dynamic process, where nature's unpredictability becomes an integral part of the composition.

Your work invites viewers to oscillate between micro and macro perspectives, from intricate plant details to celestial constellations. How do you achieve this dynamic interplay in your paintings?

This interplay emerges from layering textures and patterns created by natural elements. The fine details of foliage suggest a microscopic intimacy, while broader compositions evoke a cosmic vastness. The ambiguity of forms invites viewers to shift between these perspectives, creating a fluid experience where the infinitely small and the infinitely large coexist.

Your exhibition history spans from Paris to Geneva, Beirut, and Seoul, with upcoming shows in Paris and Knokke. How have these diverse settings influenced your artistic evolution?

Exhibiting in diverse cultural and geographical contexts has broadened my perspective as an artist. Each location offers unique feedback and interpretations that enrich my understanding of how my work resonates globally. The interaction with varied audiences and landscapes continually informs my practice, encouraging me to push boundaries and remain open to new ideas.

Verdure, Biobased painting on linen, 97x130 cm each, 2024 © Timothée Mahuzier

As someone who works closely with nature and values sustainable practices, how do you see the role of art in addressing environmental issues and fostering ecological awareness?

Art has the power to inspire empathy and reflection, serving as a bridge between people and the natural world. By integrating sustainable practices and highlighting nature's beauty and fragility, art can encourage a deeper connection to the environment. I hope my work contributes to this dialogue, fostering awareness and prompting viewers to consider their relationship with nature and the impact of their choices.
Beyond these general ideas, I have to admit one of my first motivations was quite personal. I didn't want to pollute my own garden with petroleum-based products and heavy metals. Over time, I've realized that these small, personal choices can have a bigger impact. If everyone thought about the benefits of their actions, we might see how individual efforts can add up to something global.

Lastly, how do you see your work and the art world evolving in the coming years? What new challenges are you ready to take on?

I see my work continuing to explore the relationship between nature, abstraction, and memory, possibly expanding into new mediums or collaborative projects. The art world is increasingly focusing on sustainability and inclusivity, and I hopeto contribute to these movements. A challenge I'm ready to embrace is finding even more innovative ways to merge artistic practice with ecological responsibility, creating works that not only evoke emotion but also inspire action.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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