Beyond the Surface: The Iridescent Allure of Susan St-Laurent’s Aluminum Art
- Suzanne Charlebois
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
There is a certain magic that happens when an artist’s vision meets a medium that challenges the very nature of how we perceive color and light. Such is the case with the captivating work of Susan St-Laurent. Her pieces are not simply paintings; they are vibrant, abstract compositions printed on aluminum, a choice that immediately sets her work apart. The result is a surface that seems to glow from within, where the sleek, modern substrate becomes an integral part of the art itself, reflecting the world around it while simultaneously pulling the viewer into its own depths.
St-Laurent’s command of color is nothing short of masterful. Her palette is a celebration of the bold, the vivid, and the rich, a kaleidoscope of hues that dance and interact across the metal canvas. Yet, what gives this explosion of color its structure and power is the artist's use of a strong, anchoring black. This framing device, whether a literal border or a strategic element within the composition, does not confine the energy but rather sharpens it. It provides a necessary counterpoint, a moment of stillness that makes the surrounding colors sing with even greater intensity and clarity, much like the way leading in a stained-glass window defines and elevates the light passing through.
Perhaps it is my trained eye as a gemologist that finds the deepest resonance with St-Laurent’s art. Having spent countless hours peering through a microscope deep into the crystalline architecture of gemstones, I am drawn to work that mimics that internal world. Her art has a unique way of pulling me into its iridescence, much like a fabulous gemstone would. The play of colour is almost fractal in nature; in one piece, I see the silent, rhythmic dance of light off the silica platelets of a precious Opal. In another, the sharp, geometric reflections call to mind the lattice of an optic calcite crystal, splitting light into a spectrum of fire as it catches the sun.
The true genius of Susan St-Laurent’s work, however, lies in its remarkable versatility and emotional impact. I find it as fascinating as it is captivating. It possesses the rare ability to elevate a space instantly, lending an air of sophisticated modernity to a stark corporate lobby or a minimalist home. Yet, despite this inherent elegance, it never feels cold or unapproachable. The work is simultaneously flexible and playful; the dynamic colours and abstract forms invite contemplation and spark joy, ensuring that the piece is not just a decorative object, but a living, breathing presence within a room. It is art that demands to be experienced in person. It is an artistic vision that stays with you long after you have looked away.
On display until March 17th 2026 at Emergence Art Gallery, located at 2130 Rue Crescent, Montreal.
Or shop online:
Comments