— Pretending to be fine [Unspoken I]

First piece in the “Non-dit” collection: a unique piece combining drawing and text.

I'm not sad. But as if stripped of emotions, stripped of my capacity to feel. I have a silence in my heart. Saying nothing is the last defense against my collapse. Isn't it always like this before "breaking down"? We plunge into a sentimental silence, like taking a deep breath of air before screaming. So holding back. Not expressing my pain. Keeping quiet so as not to make the unhappiness real. I'm in pain. It's only an idea. It's eating away at me. But if no one sees me decomposed by my smiles, the world will continue to say "You look fine," and to pretend, to play with all my might at happiness, I might be able to prove this lie right: I'm fine. No. I'm not well. But it's a secret. The damage is "not yet done."

• Charcoal on fringed Velin paper, BFK Rives, museum quality [56 x 76 cm]
• Comes with certificate of authenticity
• Signed by Lucas Clavel
• Completed in August 2024