Caroline Dechamby

With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Dechamby's artistry extends beyond paintings, encompassing luxury leather goods and hand-painted timepieces, as well as, furniture and swimwear, creating a seamless fusion of art and life.

Drawing inspiration from art and history, her innovative approach involves a profound engagement with masterpieces by iconic figures such as Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Piet Mondrian. In a daring act of self-reclamation, Dechamby skillfully paints herself—whether in full-bodied form or as a striking silhouette—into these timeless works, embodying the very essence of creation

A recurring motif woven throughout Dechamby's body of work is the depiction of her own figure from behind, cleverly crafting both a recognizable autobiographical character and an anonymous silhouette. This dual representation not only fosters immediate recognition and connection among viewers but also serves as a canvas for personal reflection. By appropriating these well-known works, Dechamby echoes the evolutionary trends of art history, aligning herself with the revolutionary spirits of artists like Marcel Duchamp and, more recently, Elaine Sturtevant, while infusing her creations with a populist spirit.

By symbolically placing herself at the forefront of artistic genius, Dechamby challenges the established narrative, reclaiming the field from "the boys" and reshaping art history in her own visionary image. Her mesmerizing compositions not only captivate the viewer but also pave the way for empowerment, particularly for women, inviting them to envision themselves as creators, stepping into the shoes of the artist rather than mere spectators.

As a woman artist, Dechamby's deliberate positioning of herself within the same echelon as the famous male predecessors she appropriates constitutes a resounding feminist statement. Her art transcends the conventional boundaries of museums and the institutionalized art world, resonating with a broader audience and boldly challenging the established norms of the artistic narrative.