VARIATION 1 & 2

The VARIATION 1 & 2 series represent TOURAGE's initial shift towards monochromatic paintings.

TOURAGE began working on the VARIATION 1 series in 2001 and it covers his early career. It is during this time, that we see the introduction of the 7X7 cm squares that eventually become his signature. The squares are created individually using a painting knife. Pigments and other mediums are used to give the painting texture.

The VARIATION 1 series also sees the introduction of a limited color palette with one color (predominantly white) dominating the painting.

In 2005, TOURAGE stopped painting for almost 8 years.

With VARIATION 2, started in 2013, we see the continued trend towards monochromatic paintings.

Similar to the prior series, the VARIATION 2 series is based on a grid made of 7X7 cm squares. Each square is painted individually, thus creating an irregularity within the grid. This gives the impression that each square is independent of the others and coincidently placed next to the adjacent ones.

Layers of paint apples in different directions overlay the squares, with the final coat dominating the painting creating an almost monochromatic effect. The search for texture is less apparent in this series than in the prior one.