Recently, artist Marie Lenclos shared a quiet story about her family’s home in Brittany, a ritual her father began decades ago that continues each summer.
“The first thing my dad does when he arrives in Brittany for a holiday is set up his tokonoma. It’s not a posey thing, it’s one of the best things he learnt from living in Japan in the early 60s.
The main elements are often some flowers picked in a garden or during a walk, some fruits or pottery, a painting that’s just been made and needs to be assessed. The old wooden work table comes from my maternal grand-father. It’s placed opposite the door to the house, and it’s what you see as you come and go all day. Often surrounded by the noise and chaos of family life and several generations mingling, it’s a visual moment of calm and harmony.”
It’s a beautiful description of what we see in Marie’s work a deep appreciation for stillness, structure, and domestic rhythm. Her paintings often explore the relationship between light, colour, architecture and memory, distilling scenes down to their essential forms. But there's always a softness, always well considered and quietly human.
Over the years, Marie has painted in Britanny and her artwork becomes part of this family tokonoma, her works have been placed there to dry, reflect on, or live with for a while. The thread between these domestic rituals and her practice as an artist is subtle but strong.
We’re delighted to be hosting a solo exhibition of Marie’s work this October, at our pop up gallery on 128 Columbia Road, Shoreditch. The show will bring together a brand new collection of paintings from the East London area.
If you're drawn to Maries urban landscapes and enjoy the moments of calm, colour, and quiet observation, we think you'll find something to love in this show.
Opening 23rd October 2025