Hugo Galerie is proud to announce Nord-Ouest, a solo exhibition of works by French artist Yves Crenn. Crenn’s work is distinguished by his distinctive combination of dry pastels and watercolor on paper, a technique the artist began utilizing in 2003 that creates a unique texture and softness. The new collection, Nord Ouest (North West) is titled for the Normandy region of France, which Crenn captures in a series of stunning waterfront scenes; these paintings are complemented by a selection of subjects he is well-known for, such as lighthouses and immense trees. This will be Crenn’s first solo exhibition with Hugo Galerie; the artist had six solo exhibitions at Hugo’s predecessor, Axelle Fine Arts.

Crenn visited the ancient city of Pompeii at a young age with his family and this trip had a profound effect on the artist; he was struck by the frescoes, architecture, and human remains preserved in the ash. His work today recalls the Italian frescoes that affected him so strongly in his youth in their texture and muted color palette. His work has an emotional and timeless quality – he captures the essence of his subjects, with as much thought and sensitivity as the Italian art and architecture that inspired him.

Born in 1969 in Vernon, France, the artist studied drawing and oil painting at Les Beaux-Arts de Rouen for six years. His first exhibition was in Germany while he was still a student. After graduating, he enjoyed several public exhibitions, particularly of his drawings on paper. He has exhibited at galleries across France, Germany, and the US. His work was exhibited at the Panorama Museum in Leipzig, Germany in 2010. The artist lives and works in Rouen, France.