Pascale is originally from New Caledonia, in the South Pacific, but currently lives and works in Paris, France, where she studied at the Conservatoire of Arts, Papeete, Tahiti. Cardiff’s Castle Fine Art is currently showcasing Pascale Taurua’s Pour le Plaisir collection.
Pascale is no stranger to the world of fashion. Unabashedly emotional, she challenges gender stereotypes by using clothes as a symbol of strength and sexuality. Her provocative oil paintings created a buzz at Castle Fine Art’s Summer Exhibition in 2017, where she appeared as an IN:SIGHT finalist. Through her figurative artworks, she explores the complexities of life as a 21st-century woman. Fusing themes of feminism with razor-sharp observation, Pascale’s pieces present clothing as a multi-layered symbol that can reveal much about us.
Painting on canvas with extra-fine oil, she blocks in her sketch before allowing the piece to choose its own direction. Her studio walls are adorned with drawings, photographs, and images from magazines, which she uses for inspiration.
Pascale says: “Fashion is one of the most important means of communication. We are no longer confined by an ideal standard of femininity or beauty but can instead celebrate our true selves through what we wear.”
This sensual piece is taken from Pascale Taurua’s Pour le Plaisir collection. Translated as ‘for pleasure’, the body of work sees the French painter explore the symbolism of the mask in modern society.
She explains: “In order to respect codes, we often convey an image that is a façade; ultimately, we are wearing a mask. The sophistication and glamour of the gold leaf creates a diversion: by playing with light and mirrors, we become invisible. It is a beautiful shield that protects us and denies people access to our vulnerability.”
Pascale believes an understanding of the asymmetry of the human face is essential for mastering a portrait. She first creates a sketch in pencil, charcoal or oil before drawing onto the canvas and painting with oils. By filling the canvas with a close-up of the face, she captures the magnification of the world we experience as children.
Check-out her Instagram @art_taurua
For more information and to purchase your own limited edition piece from the Pascale Taurua collection, visit www.castlefineart.com/galleries/cardiff.
