Intertwining Encounters Beyond Islands and Seas

Words Tedrick Yau
March 7, 2024

I briefly met artist Thomas Godin while I was getting lost in the labyrinth that was Art Fair Philippines 2024. He was accompanied by our common friends Jacques and Mia Branellec, the driving forces behind his exhibitions in the Philippines. After the quick catch up, Mia reminded me of his upcoming exhibition that will happen a few days after. Thomas had one exhibition in Cebu a few years back and will show in Manila for the first time. I was already quite curious what French contemporary perspective Thomas will present in Manila.

“Archipelago” is Thomas’ love letter to the Philippines. A connection resounded in him between his roots in Brittany, France and his sojourns in the Philippines—with both places surrounded by vast beaches and oceans. His works are a translation of the memories he’s had flying over the different islands of the Philippines; an interpretation of his appreciation for his experiences in the archipelago.

Thomas shares, “I feel strong links between our countries with the beautiful and amazingly preserved nature.”

Like maps, viewers navigate through intricate layers of hues and textures. The striking imageries are a deep dive into topographies that exist in the artist’s visual realm. Figures play with the imagination as one may perceive islands serenely resting on the waters or a complex garden of corals bursting in colors. An affinity for ocean flow is evident, admiring the directed waves and tides in the stillness of the image.

The treasure I unearthed in this exploration was learning about the long and arduous process of press roller engraving—a process that has existed since the Renaissance. Thomas uses black metal plates that he varnishes over to draw his precise images. When the drawing is complete, the plates are placed under organic acid that will eventually dig into the cracks. He then puts ink into the cracks using different oil techniques. Through his experiences, he has specialized and developed his own technique of creating more refined pigments when executed. Afterwards, he manipulates emulsified oil to mix the oil and acrylic. This highly stylized approach assures that the oil, ink, and acrylic do not blend together, thus creating different layers without mixing the elements.

Strengthening Philippine connections, other notable works in the exhibit included a series on Rune Talismans that symbolize the essence of universality, opulence and good fortune. The circular amulets embody profound connections among all human beings, highlighting the essence of unity and harmony. Another series designated as the Archipelago Flower shows beauty in imperfections, unbalanced in its entirety yet radiant in its core as it continues to blossom.

Thomas already took a gamble to steer his life away from his previous profession. In his bold decision, he has successfully crossed boundaries and widened inspirations. People from different countries have witnessed his pieces, encouraging a voyage into a world that harmonizes nature’s serenity and the artistic energy of the archipelago.

Translating his work in another medium is his next big challenge. An upcoming project is a commissioned work to create a stained glass artwork, 5 meters wide and 3 meters in height. Still, when asked if he will continue with the subjects he has become known for, he shares, “Of course, in an artist’s life you treat different subjects in other ways or other mediums, but it’s already a part of me so I will continue doing landscapes from above and colors underwater but maybe bigger.”

For more information on the artist, check @thomasgodin.art on Instagram or visit www.thomasgodin.com.