Nathanaëlle Herbelin, a 36-year-old promising French-Israeli painter, has emerged as a significant force in the revival of figurative painting in France. The artist, who has been exhibited at the prestigious Musée d'Orsay and caught the attention of renowned collector François Pinault, is currently showcasing her emotionally charged works at Jousse Gallery. Her art, deeply sensitive to contemporary issues and current events, reflects a darker mood that has permeated her work in recent years.
Since October 7, 2023, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict devastated the Gaza Strip, Herbelin's paintings have grown increasingly somber. The gray tones that dominate her palette mirror both the autumn sky and the heavy atmosphere that has settled over her studio for the past two years. "Gray is everywhere this early autumn: in the sky as well as on Nathanaëlle Herbelin's palette," she observes, almost apologetically about the dark cloud that has hovered over her creative space.
The impact of global events on her artistic expression has been profound and unavoidable. As an artist, woman, and person of Israeli origin, Herbelin faces the challenging question of what to paint during times of such profound sorrow. "Believing in peace and continuing to create are the two things that drive me," the artist explains. "Even though my painting is not politicized, it absorbs the sadness of the world."
Herbelin's current exhibition at Jousse Gallery presents works that demonstrate how contemporary artists grapple with processing world events through their art. Her oil paintings on wood, including pieces like "Incendies" (Fires) from 2025, measuring 135 x 183 cm, showcase her technical mastery while conveying deep emotional resonance. The works are created in collaboration with ADAGP Paris and photographed by Max Borderie, ensuring proper documentation and preservation of her artistic vision.
This French-Israeli artist represents a new generation of figurative painters who are breathing fresh life into traditional painting techniques while addressing contemporary global concerns. Her recognition by major institutions and collectors signals a broader renaissance in figurative art within France's contemporary art scene, proving that traditional painting mediums remain relevant and powerful tools for expressing modern human experiences and emotions.
