Marcel Demagny

(1949 - )

“I have always been fond of musical analogies and would say that as an architect I am a conductor, and as a painter, I am a soloist.”  - Demagny

The second of four children, Marcel Demagny was born in October 1949, in France.  He graduated from a School of Architecture in 1974, formerly known as the National School of Fine Arts. After receiving his diploma, Demagny became chief architect of the French City, Nancy, in which he still resides today.
 
It was during his years in school that he explored an interest in painting. He worked with graphic designers, painters and plastic arts. Colour and matter have always played a major role in Demagny’s style. Many artists including abstract artist Nicolas De Stael, have influenced the manner in which he paints today.  De Stael dealt with sharp angles and the absence of hue. Demagny’s work is obviously inspired with his sharp cut edges of petals and their monochromatic background.

Another artist that greatly influenced Demagny was Bernard Buffet, a graphic designer. While he used a different medium, his work represented the idea that less is more. Buffet put his feelings into an ordinary object. Demagny wants this in his paintings. He lets his emotions guide him along the canvas.

“I have reached my current style, which is now well established, working by layering colors with the palette knife and spatula. This is the culmination of 37 years of passion and practice.” - Demagny

Presently he devotes more time to painting as architecture cannot express his creativity any longer. His favorite subjects include landscapes and still life. He enjoys these  subjects, but chooses to not confine himself to one in particular. The colour and style of Demagny’s paintings are truly an expression of himself.