Valerie Carmet
Valerie Carmet is a French-American Pop Art assemblage artist and art educator based between Miami and NYC. A career in fashion and her mathematical instincts led her to start her artistic path in 1995 with the creation of intricate mosaics. She has been exhibited in group shows and major art fairs worldwide for the past 20 years. She is represented by galleries in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. She is most known for her signature series, the ToyBox Collection.
Artist Q & A
How did your background in fashion and mathematics influence your transition to creating mosaic and assemblage art?
Art and mathematics have always been closely intertwined, and my background in both greatly influenced my transition to creating mosaic and assemblage art. My experience with patterns, geometry, and symmetry laid a strong foundation for my mosaic work, allowing me to create visually appealing compositions. Both disciplines require an understanding of balance and harmony, which translates beautifully into my art. Similarly, my fashion background plays a significant role; many designers draw inspiration from artistic movements, and I do the same in my assemblage art. The process of combining colors, shapes, and forms to create a meaningful representation mirrors the creative techniques I used in fashion. In essence, my journey feels like a natural progression, with my background serving as the cornerstone of my artistic career.
What do you hope viewers take away from your ToyBox Collection, and how do you want it to impact their perspective on childhood and society?
My ToyBox collection: Not intended for small children” became more than just a medium for creativity; it became a powerful conduit for conversation and reflection on issues that are often relegated to the shadows. From the realities of gun violence and the horrors of war to the intricacies of gender equality, LGBTQIA rights, marriage, mental health, and sexuality, each piece I create serves as a bold declaration of my perspective on these contentious matters. In reclaiming the innocence of childhood through my art, I’ve discovered a newfound sense of liberation—a space where I can confront discomforting truths with courage and compassion. It’s a journey of self-discovery and advocacy, where the lines between artist and activist blur, and where every assemblage or placement of a figurine carries the weight of my experiences and convictions.
Follow the artist along: www.valeriecarmet.com
Valerie is featured on the Winter 2024 edition of Art Seen, Issue 14.