Révélation

Deena Hamilton is often described as coming from another realm, like a comet. She moves seamlessly through polarities that seem impossible to reconcile: intensity and softness, depth and lightness, slowness and efficiency, territoriality and universality, humanity and animality. In a world quick to judge, her fluid navigation of these contrasts disrupts the norm.

During a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, Deena once told me, “At a museum, one should only look at one piece for a long time. For me, just standing in front of this painting, I feel satisfied.” Yet, as you view Deena Hamilton’s work, I encourage you to take your time, to immerse yourself fully in the experience.

Deena's life and work are guided by a sense of freedom—a freedom that is focused and balanced between the self and the world. She embraces the liberty of time, never rushing, even though three decades passed between her studies at the Beaux-Arts and the creation of her studio in Villelaure. Her time belongs to her alone, and it takes courage to avoid the well-trodden paths, to have the patience to nurture what grows naturally, and to help it flourish when the time is right.

Her sculptures command the space they occupy, their colossal forms transcending the body of their creator. In her paintings and drawings, lines open up to create vast spaces, resonances, and echoes, setting the infinite into motion.

Deena's artistic journey is characterized by a playful freedom. Though she excelled in drawing and painting at the Beaux-Arts, she chose to pursue sculpture under the guidance of Toni Grand. From one piece to the next, Deena moves between form and color, from wood to canvas, from ink to lime and pigments. While anxiety sometimes accompanies her creative process, as the artist's doubt lingers and everything is constantly at stake, the joy of creation remains her greatest companion. This freedom to play—to experiment, to change everything after hours or days, and then to recognize when a work is complete—is a central part of her artistic expression.

Deena's liberty extends to her life as well. I have always believed that Deena has created herself, belonging only to herself. She guards her own freedom and that of others fiercely. Born in Marlow to an Italian father and an English mother, Deena lived in Spain, then France, before returning to England at age 15 after her parents separated. This turbulent childhood, often marked by solitude, perhaps fueled her need for grounding, which she found in motherhood, time spent with her family and friends, and in her connections with others, including Marguerite Duras and Henri Bosco. Yet, she also embraces an openness to the world, leaving at a moment’s notice to spend weeks with a family in Bangladesh or in the deserts of Mauritania.

In her journey of being open to the world and true to herself, Deena remains in perfect balance. Whether in her studio, in Feldenkrais or Ikebana classes, in the kitchen, in the garden, reading, or in conversation, her attention and presence are unwavering. For her, no moment is more significant than another; all are part of the creative process, part of the journey.

I've had the privilege of traveling on this journey with Deena for 21 years. Our friendship began in an elevator in London when we were neighbors, instantly marked by a sense of adventure and mutual elevation. From Deena, I’ve learned to let the blue of a flower wash over me and to welcome both joy and emptiness with equal grace. I’ve learned to see the shadows in everyone with depth, generosity, and humanity. I’ve come to understand that true neutrality—responding rather than reacting, staying present without judgment, without intruding on others’ space—is a powerful force of love and wisdom.

I know that each of Deena Hamilton’s works offers others this space—time, freedom, openness, and a journey. Each piece vibrates quietly, waiting for someone to engage with it, to embark on a voyage. There’s no single way to experience her work; you must approach it with your own perspective, and your own sensations, and take the time and freedom to do so. I wish you a wonderful journey alongside Deena Hamilton

Frédérique Nahmani

Practical Information

The exhibition is open from Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 6pm. Admission is free. 

For further information, please contact : expositions@gallifet.com

Instagram : @GallifetAixenProvence

With the support of :
Emile Garcin Propriétés
&
Mercadier