Joël Mône THE POETRY IN LIGHT

Reflections of an Artist:

How I see Art: "Art is innovative and moves with the times. Contrary to common beliefs, an artist is never in advance of his time. He is just an average man who lives in the past, goes to school keeps rites and traditions alive. The artist writes his story with the means at his disposal and time sifts the wheat from the chaff."

My Art: "Light and transparency represent the elements I work on: The handling of lines, glass, lead are merely the means I use. The poetry expressed therein comes from the uncertainty of the gaze turned on all sides and ultimately beyond the artwork. A parallel can be drawn between each person’s impressions and the viewpoint taken."

Art can be discussed in a general fashion to be understood more or less. Nonetheless, when speaking about ‘light’ it becomes a heftier undertaking.

On the other hand to speak about the light, the transparency and the poetry in Joël Mône’s compositions seems a simple task to me.

This is surely due to the fact that Joël Mône’s art does not seek to mislead us with special effects but its depth and brilliance lie in its clean lines and it is well known how complicated it is to accomplish simplicity in all domains.

The language, the message are not necessarily words that clearly describe the light and the poetry of Mône’s stained glass windows but can be said of his work that passion and his love of values are the guidelines underlying all his artwork.

“In my compositions there is no tale telling about art science techniques facts on weapons or countries. There is only one story and it is mine”.

For thirty years this artist ‘of past times’ who declines to be called a Master glassblower (and yet this is such a fitting description for him) has never stopped doing research on his art and craftsmanship, especially when it comes to the perspective of light. This can be seen and admired in the piece entitled ‘The Key in G’ in the nave of the Church of Saint Fons.

The monumental artwork entitled the ‘Holy Family Rose’ in the Church of the Holy Family, 6 Chapel Road, 429 509 Singapore. Joël Mône entirely designed, made and rigged his composition. It is a model of the force in this artist and his work.

Measuring 8 x 20 metres in diameter and has a total of 50.25 square metres of stained glass windows which are composed of 15 000 pieces of glass 110 portraits and required 6000 hours of work.

- Weight of the frame: 1500kg

- Weight of the stained glass: 800kg

- Weight of the safety glass: 1060 kg

When speaking of light and transparency it is mandatory to observe the work and go beyond its real dimension.

Since its beginnings, stained glass art is one that takes us by the hand and leads us into a world that we do not want to leave.

“This dimension should let onlookers feel special new sensations”

In the work entitled ‘Echoes’ all the details of the movements and the careful colour composition allied to light is an example of soft and harmonious poetry. By the same token we are propelled towards awareness of “good or evil”. Joël Mône’s career path is enthralling. I recommend reading his book to find out more about him as I lack this space in this article to dedicate more on the subject.

It is true that Joel is also my friend and I have the opportunity to work at close quarters with him on a number of projects, for example: “metaphors of transparency” which can be seen in this review. As an admirer of cathedrals, I have had the privilege of meeting several modern glassblowers, but what has struck me in particular about Joël Mône is the person he is and subsequently his work.

“In this world where life’s struggles lead us to feed off carcasses the artist on a sensitive subject through his heart and points to what each and every one is”.

Indeed an artist is a dreamer and an adventurer and Joël Mône is very much a part of that club but who is this multi-talented artist’s guide.

In the composition entitled “She and I” we get the answer. It is “She”.

“I was thought to be unstable. When I found my partner Monique I also found my goal in life: light and transparency. I still thirst for adventure even if my hair is going grey and I am still forever seeking”.

Yes indeed: the artist goes on seeking. For we are ready and I am the first to wait for him at the next bend, full of light and poetic transparency. Perhaps also towards personal introspection “outwardly reversed”.

G.QUARTIERI