Sylvie Cloutier

Sylvie Cloutier

From an early age, Cloutier was captivated by the world of painting and the visual arts. Her deep love for creativity led her to pursue formal training, beginning with a DEC in Arts from CEGEP du Vieux-Montréal. She further honed her craft at prestigious institutions, including Concordia University, UQAM, and the University of Montreal, where she immersed herself in Fine Arts.

For 32 years, Cloutier dedicated herself to teaching, influencing and inspiring students through college-level courses in federal prisons and secondary school art programs. But her true calling has always been in creating art. Since 1985, her work has been showcased in galleries, earning her recognition as an accomplished artist. Today, Cloutier is a full-time artist, continuing her exploration of geometric and organic forms in space, while expanding her artistic expression in new and exciting ways.

Cloutier’s artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by the great masters of abstraction. The works of Wassily Kandinsky, whom she considers her idol, ignited her passion for abstraction. She also draws inspiration from the stencils of Jean-Paul Riopelle, the vibrant colors of Paul Klee, the collages of Georges Braque, and the dynamic dripping technique of Jackson Pollock. These visionary artists shaped her perspective on the power of color, form, and technique—elements that remain a key part of her practice today.

Cloutier’s approach to art is a unique fusion of various techniques and mediums. She seamlessly blends collage, textures, printmaking, stencils, and acrylic reliefs with a bold and intense color palette. This distinctive style invites the viewer into a world full of depth, illusion, and ever-evolving perspective. Her compositions challenge traditional perceptions of space, encouraging personal interpretation and introspection. At times, her work edges toward semi-figuration, offering subtle hints that guide the viewer’s experience without fully revealing the subject.

Her passion for art extends beyond her own work as she has led creativity workshops for adults, fostering a community of artists and inspiring others to embrace their creative potential.

Through her captivating works, Sylvie Cloutier continues to be a bold and innovative voice in the world of contemporary abstract art. Her compositions invite viewers into a realm of endless possibilities, where the boundaries of abstraction are continually expanded and redefined. Cloutier’s artistic vision remains an essential and evolving part of the artistic landscape, making her an inspiring figure in the global art community.