'The stories and figurative scenes are a mythology of childhood, the natural world and of humanity; a wild space which speaks of a time where sentiments are profound and strong, and the fears intense.'
Marie Elisabeth's paintings conjure a world that is both marvellous and frightening. She combines cultures, environments and creatures in paint which evoke feelings of innocence and tenderness tinged with foreboding.
Her work reminds us of the damage we have wrought on the world and its inhabitants. Movement, circulation and migration are central. Figuration and abstraction mix as she renders complex narratives where we can ponder love and loss in an immeasurable landscape.
EXHIBITIONS
London Art Fair, TIN MAN ART, London (2024)
'Mondes Hypothétique', TIN MAN ART, London (2023)
London Art Fair, TIN MAN ART, London (2023)
Between the bliss and me, TIN MAN ART, London (2021)
'Imagined Worlds', Galerie de la Prévôté, Aix-en-Provence, France (2021)
'Once upon a time', Galerie de la Prévôté, Aix-en-Provence, France (2020)
'9th Paul Ricard International Painting Symposium' (1st place), Paul Ricard Gallery, Ile de Bendor, France (2018)
'Survey of works 2016-21', ENSSA, Aix-en-Provence, France (2016)
Permanent display, Saatchi Art Gallery, Los Angeles, USA (2014-18)
'Apparitions', Château du Seuil, Puyricard, France (2013)
'Inhabited-uninhabited', Château du Seuil, Puyricard, France (2012)
Permanent display, Gallery of Lignane, Puyricard, France (2011-14)
'Carreau Gaschereau / Bardy / Letrosne / Merlin', Municipal Casino of Aix, Aix-en-Provence, France (1995)
'Marie-Elisabeth Merlin', Les Amis des Arts, Aix-en-Provence, France (1993)
'Marie-Elisabeth Merlin', Le Moulin de Cézanne, Le Tholonet, France (1992)
'Marie-Elisabeth Merlin', Les Amis des Arts, Aix-en-Provence, France (1991)
'Marie-Elisabeth Merlin', Hotel Boyer d’Eguilles, Aix en Provence, France (1988)
AWARDS
Winner of the 9th Paul Ricard Painting Symposium (2018)
RESIDENCIES
Residency and 1st prize at the 9th Paul Ricard International Painting Symposium, Ile de Bendor, France (2018)
COLLECTIONS
Collectors include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Charles Saatchi and Paul Ricard among others worldwide.
AFFILIATIONS
Member of the Taylor Foundation
Member of the MDA (La Maison des Artistes)
Member of the ADAGP
EDUCATION
2016 Diplôme de l'École Supérieure d'Art d'Aix
1988 - 1989 École Stylisme IICC, Marseilles
1985 - 1988 Ateliers Beaux-Arts, Ateliers Privés Aix