Photo : Gabriel Morantin
"Till We Have Faces" - Gabriel Morantin-Painting-October 2026
"How can we see the gods, till we have faces?" C. S. Lewis. As a contemporary figurative painter, I am confronted with the question and the practice of representing the human figure. Today, it seems extremely difficult to create a portrait without falling into the pitfalls of naive or anachronistic figuration, abstraction, narration, or illustration.
Galerie Michael Lonsdale (Paris 7th)
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About
PAINTING A MODERN PORTRAIT?
Painting a portrait figuratively is already, for the contemporary artist, a form of risk-taking: a radical choice that cuts against the grain of the times.
Indeed, there is a beginning to the creation of a portrait: an encounter, an exchange with the subject, a human connection rather than a virtual one. Then comes an intermediate time, perhaps the most important: the pause, the time of observation and waiting. Finally, the portrait finds its conclusion in the appearance of a new image
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This image is different, yet similar. It is at once the result of observation, memory, and time. The portrait thus becomes the place of an encounter between what was seen, what was retained, and what was transformed by the painter's gesture.
PORTRAIT. TRADITION. TECHNIQUE.
The choice of the portrait, its gravity, and its history compel the artist to enter into dialogue with tradition.
It is a matter of understanding, studying, and allowing oneself to be influenced by the great masters of the past: Titian, Rembrandt, Rublev.
That is why I had to find the old masters of today. Between Paris, England, and Rome, that is where I found them.
Since then, my desire and passion have been to pursue this quest: to represent the human face through a work that is at once beautiful, technically mastered, and enduring.
The portrait then becomes an exercise in transmission. It is not just a matter of reproducing a face, but of understanding what centuries of painting have built around it, and seeking how this tradition can still be alive today.
Our take on this event
Modernity meets tradition in this captivating exploration of the human face where every brushstroke carries the weight of history. Forget digital artifice and immerse yourself in these profound portraits that bridge the gap between old master techniques and a bold, contemporary vision.
The Michael Lonsdale Gallery presents the exhibition Tant que nous n'aurons de visages by artist Gabriel Morantin. From October 8 to October 17, 2026, this showcase delves into contemporary figurative painting, exploring the human connection and the technical mastery required to portray the human face. By referencing classical masters, the artist bridges the gap between historical tradition and modern artistic expression. Visitors can explore these works free of charge in the 7th arrondissement, offering a unique perspective on the power of portraiture in our current era.
The exhibition Tant que nous n'aurons de visages, featuring works by Gabriel Morantin, examines the significance of the portrait in contemporary art. Departing from virtual interactions, the artist emphasizes human connection and the patient observation of his subjects, resulting in canvases that blend memory, time, and painterly gesture. Drawing inspiration from figures such as Titien, Rembrandt, and Roublev, the collection reflects a desire to keep historical painting traditions alive while maintaining technical precision.
The exhibition is hosted at the Michael Lonsdale Gallery, located at 30 rue de Bourgogne, 75007 Paris. Admission is free for all attendees. The gallery is open from October 8, 2026, to October 17, 2026, with the following schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 14:00 to 19:00, and Saturdays from 14:00 to 18:00.
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