About The Artist

Nina or Nadine Pillet was born on the first days of 1970 in Sierre, Switzerland. After formative education, Nina decided to explore SE Asia and discovered a traditional artistic niche of applying carbon powder to parchment. Studying under a local master, she became both a practitioner and an exponent of old techniques which she translates visually from one culture to another and back again. On her return many years later to Switzerland, Nina continued to explore portraiture techniques but her involvement in teaching alternative medicine incurred a temporary hiatus in her artistic disciplines. In her medical work she became the author of several publications and books. When she returned again to Asia in 2014, she immediately re immersed herself in artistic discovery. She remained for several months as artist-in-residence in a local gallery. Here she finally found appeasement and flourished in producing a new series of images which she continues to add to consistently. She now divides her time between both continents. “My paintings are entirely based on human emotions which have always fascinated me. Mostly portraits, communicating feelings captured in their daily evolution with symbolism of human sentiment as inner peace or the search for harmony and love. The images are created with carbon powder, sometimes with a base according to the needs of the specific subject. Using fine paintbrushes, I apply the powder in very small quantities which allows me to create different tones, textures and moods throughout the entire spectrum of light. The result is similar to black and white photography with added human sensuousness. In some of my paintings I use pastel powder which I apply the same way to put into contrast a specific detail, e.g. eyes, a jewel or a scarf. I sometimes use watercolour and/or acrylic paint to create a background before applying carbon. This can create the impression of an old painting contributing to my chosen theme. This subtle technique is virtually unknown in Occidental countries and generates most curiosity. In the actualization of a painting, most important for me are the emotions I create which, in turn, resonate with the observer’s personal spirit and therefore finds itself connected to the image. Achieving ‘life within’ is my ultimate aim." This particular technique is very demanding in time and patience. A carbon portrait measuring 28x38 cm takes an average of 20 to 30 hours to finish and a bigger format around 40x60 will take between 40 and 70 hours in relation with the details. During mixed techniques she easily reach 100 hours of work. Each painting is a journey through deep emotions, the magic of creation out of space and time. She hopes it will transport you like it transports her. Solo exhibitions 2015 Galerie 83 Fribourg Switzerland 2015-16 Le Trésor des 5 épices Bulle Switzerland 2016 Le XXe Fribourg Switzerland Collective exhibitions 2015 La Grange Villars-sur-Glâne Switzerland Club of artistes 2016 Galerie 83 Fribourg Switzerland With Sheynna Pillet 2016 Le 1er août Sierre Switzerland With Sheynna Pillet 2017-18 MAD Gallery Milano Italy International artists 2018 2nd Intern. Fine Art Cannes PAKS Gallery Cannes French International artists 2018 Modern Art Masters In Complex du Louvre PAKS Gallery Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, French International artists Critical review published 2017 MAD Gallery review on ISSUU : https://issuu.com/nina-artiste Award 2018 « Sensitive emotional mood » in the 2nd International Fine Art Cannes Biennale by PAKS Gallery and MAMAG Museum, May 11th, Cannes Palace, French 2018 "International Prize Caravaggio" Great Master of Art, December 7th, Theatre Litta, Milan. Curated by Francesco Saverio Russo & Salvatore Russo 2018 "Internation Art Award Pablo Picasso" and "Art and Human Rights Supporter". December 19th, Lecce. Curated by Associazione Culturale Accademia "Italia In Arte Nel Mondo" 2019 "International Prize Botticelli", February 9th, Borghese Palace, Florence.Curated by Francesco Saverio Russo & Salvatore Russo