Description
“Tax Free Art” is a fascinating work by Hetaone, made in 2023, which combines distinctive autobiographical and stylistic elements to create a composition rich in symbolism and texture. Measuring 34 cm wide and 44 cm long with the frame, this piece uses various mediums on an administrative document, a bank receipt from the year 2000, Turning an element of everyday life into a canvas of artistic expression.
The work represents a self-portrait of the artist, three quarters to the right. A striking feature of this work is the separation of the head from the body. The head, drawn in a photorealistic style, floats above the body, which is rendered in a cartoon style. This juxtaposition of styles creates a striking contrast, perhaps symbolizing a duality between real and perceived identity, or between introspection and external expression.
An intriguing detail is a graphic form of smoke coming out of a perfectly round hole at the level of the visible shoulder of the character. This smoke, in combination with the separation of head and body, can evoke themes of dissociation, transition or transformation.
In the lower left corner, the character’s hand holds a spray of paint, from which sprays of walnut honey sprout. This inclusion of the spray paint and the action of painting suggest a reflection on the creative process itself, an act of marking and transforming reality. The walnut mildew, with its spots and splashes, adds an organic and chaotic dimension to the work, contrasting with the more defined structure of the body and head.
The work is made on a document of aid to the tax return of the year 2000, personal to the artist and sent by his bank, the Banque Populaire. The bank’s logo, a saturated blue camaïeu, is the only touch of bright color in the work, attracting the eye and anchoring the work in a precise temporal and administrative context. The artist’s identity, including his name, first name and address in Chalon-sur-Saône, is clearly visible on the document, adding an autobiographical dimension and transparency to the piece.
In the upper left corner, a graffiti signature is printed with the “tax free art” inscription in larger and legible size. From these words emerges a small cloud in illustrative style, adding a touch of lightness and humor to the work.
Hetaone’s
“Tax Free Art” is a deep exploration of identity, the creative process and the relationship between art and everyday life. Using a personal administrative document as a support, Hetaone merges the private and public aspects of his existence, transforming commonplace elements into a complex and engaging artistic statement. This work demonstrates the artist’s ability to transcend the boundaries between the real and the imaginary, between everyday life and the sublime.
