Marion Goby, known professionally as Gobym, is making her debut solo exhibition in her hometown of Roanne, France, showcasing a collection of vibrant, Japanese-influenced artwork. The emerging artist, who has previously exhibited in Paris and major Australian cities including Sydney and Melbourne, is returning to her roots with a highly anticipated show at the Au Duc de Richelieu gallery.
Born in Roanne, Gobym's artistic journey began with an unusual combination of passions - drawing and judo. She initially honed her skills by reproducing works of great masters, drawing parallels between her artistic precision and her martial arts technique. "Rather than trying to get closer to a certain perfection, I preferred to let my creativity express itself," she explains, describing her evolving artistic philosophy.
Despite her artistic inclinations, Gobym initially pursued sports studies, acknowledging that being an artist wasn't considered a "real job." During her teenage years in competitive sports, she came to a realistic understanding of her limitations. "I understood that I would never make it to the Olympics," she laughs. "During all that time, drawing allowed me to escape." After successfully redirecting her path toward a bachelor's degree in product design, her professional trajectory seemed set, but her artistic calling proved too strong to ignore.
The turning point came when Gobym gave herself six months to pursue art seriously. "I gave myself six months to try my luck in the field of art. It never stopped," smiles the artist, who adopted her professional name Gobym during this period. This decision marked the beginning of her serious artistic career and her commitment to following her creative instincts.
Gobym's artistic style is characterized by its graphic quality and vibrant colors, making her work highly accessible to diverse audiences. Her influences span from Pop Art masters Andy Warhol and Keith Haring to Picasso's Cubist period and contemporary Japanese painting. This eclectic mix creates what she describes as a universal appeal. "I like people to feel good in front of my paintings," she says with endearing candor.
However, this apparent simplicity masks a sophisticated artistic maturity. "At first glance, my canvases seem simplistic. But everything is calculated to the millimeter. I seek coherence, comfort for the eye, perpetually reworking a detail if it bothers me," Gobym explains. Her graphic and colorful style sets her apart in the contemporary art landscape, offering viewers multiple layers of interpretation.
The artist deliberately creates what she calls a "double reading" of her paintings. Strategic details - an eye here, a nuance of color there - draw observers into the work before they grasp its full complexity. "I like to see people get lost in my paintings. That's why I consider my art accessible. Everyone enters the painting through a detail that speaks to them, before grasping its entirety," she analyzes.
This accessibility reflects a deeper artistic philosophy about the relationship between art and audience. Gobym believes that talent can be measured by the connection between an artist's work and life. "In life, I am very sober. I think I would like to be this explosion of colors that I paint, this force that occupies space. I dream that my personality overlaps with my universe," she confesses, with a hint of anxiety in her voice.
Her paintings feature interlocking faces within a harmonious blend of diverse tints and curves, creating what appears to be a coded language. This technique reveals an artist who paints primarily for herself. "If I show a work, it's because I like it," Marion asserts, approaching her future with measured serenity. "Deep down, what I want is to show my art to as many people as possible, hoping that someone will give me my chance. Maybe it will work, maybe not. Whatever happens, I want to see my dream through to the end."
The upcoming exhibition at Au Duc de Richelieu gallery, run by Cécile and Laurent Aubanel, will feature a series of previously unseen paintings inspired by Gobym's recent weeks spent in Japan. Running from Saturday, November 22, through December 6, this marks her first solo exhibition and her debut showing in her hometown. "I had carte blanche for this first exhibition, and it's really a great experience!" she enthuses.
For this significant milestone, Gobym has carefully curated two complementary thematic series connected by Japan as a unifying thread. "I wanted to propose two complementary thematic series, woven around a common thread (Japan) that takes the public into my universe, from the first paintings to the latest works. It took me time to mature this exhibition, and presenting it is a beautiful reward," the artist details.
The timing holds special significance for Gobym, representing both a personal homecoming and a professional relaunch. "It was important to exhibit with my family, my loved ones, and the people who saw me grow up," she shares. "This exhibition comes at a pivotal period, during which I am in full relaunch of my activity. It's a most appreciated boost."
Through her evocative art, whose energy appeals to both novices and connoisseurs alike, Marion offers her paintings as treasure maps that might contain the ultimate secret still worth seeking: the recipe for happiness. The exhibition will be visible at the Au Duc de Richelieu gallery, located at 15 rue Anatole-France in Roanne, Tuesday through Saturday until December 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The opening reception will take place Saturday, November 22, starting at 11:30 a.m.
