For many years, Claude Troin has explored a fascination with the art produced by a 'primitive society'. In 2014, he was asked to respond to the earliest known and bestpreserved figurative drawings in the world, as part of a celebration of the Chauvet caves in the Ardeche. Claude's exploration of our modern connection to drawings and paintings created 36,000 years ago form the basis for his new work, featured in Camera Obscura at Maestro Arts.

Through film and with light, and using charcoal and paint, a collaboration of two artists, film director Izú Troin and Painter Claude Troin has developed a contemporary abstraction of shapes and textures. The resulting film is part of a collection of 15 short films entitled 36,000 Years Later, produced by Folimage (with Arte and the support of the Rhône-Alpes region). The 15 films will be screened for the first time in the UK on 2 July.

"From deep in the Chauvet Cave, the visual expressions of an ‘animal society’ resonate across time with our modern perception. They bind us to our predecessors and allow us to catch a glimpse of the souls of an ancient society.

Their meaning both expands and refines our contemporary understanding of the continuing human story. We are connected to this new 'appearance of man' through a piece of charcoal and through our wild thoughts, bridging the 36,000 year gap."- Claude Troin

Indeed, the tools used to make these historical artworks, namely charcoal and precious pigments, remain remarkably similar to those used today.

Artist’s reception with Izú and Claude Troin and UK Premiere of 36,000 ans plus tard produced by Folimage (with Arte and the Southern Region of the Rhone-Alpes) on the Chauvet Cave. 2 July 2015, 6 - 9 pm.