A Language Without Words Work of Artist Combines Signs, Symbols of Different Cultures by Serena Lei In the spirit of a Europe united by a shared history, the French and Italian embassies bring us a shared languageóthe art of Jean Gaudaire-Thor. Born in France, with Italian roots on his motherís side, Gaudaire-Thor maintains studios in both France and Italy and speaks both languages fluently. The work of this bicultural, avant-garde artist is celebrated in three concurrent exhibits at the Alliance FranÁaise, the Italian Cultural Institute (Istituto Italiano di Cultura) and the French Embassy (La Maison FranÁaise). It seems natural for an artist such as Gaudaire-Thor to be represented by different embassies. His work is a combination of symbols from different cultural sourcesófrom primitive cave drawings to pre-Columbian, Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology and culture. Gaudaire-Thorís paintings, drawings, ceramics and collages are both abstract and figurative art. Some elements are instinctive expressions, while others carry a deeper meaning and often represent a similar theme in several pieces. Figurative art should be approa ched on two levels. First, there is the immediate emotional response. Gaudaire-Thor employs a strong use of vibrant colors and layers his paintings and collages with multiple ideas and materials. Fragments of text from a poem combine with silk-screened images of ancient artifacts, laid alongside painted symbols. Early on, Gaudaire-Thor was interested in archeology and ancient civilizations. He was profoundly affected by a trip to Egypt, as well as a visit to Lascaux, where prehistoric cave paintings gave the artist insight into the pictorial language of signs. This is the second way to read his workóas a story to be decoded. Some signs are clues to a larger storyóa painting inspired by Columbusís journey includes a series of three images referring to Columbusís three ships. Others require an in-depth knowledge of archeological findings or Greek mythology to understand. Still others, which we respond to almost instinctively, are easier to decipher at firstóa single wavy line representing the sea is also a reference to the beginning, the very origin of the human race. This is the theme of the exhibit at La Maison FranÁaise. ìThe Shoreî refers to that primordial beginning when we took our first steps. La mer (the sea) is pronounced the same as la mËre (mother). This is a French play on words that Gaudaire-Thor uses to illustrate our conception. There is a clear Jungian quality to Gaudaire-Thorís artistic goals. The artistís ìuniversal languageî is one of signs and symbolsóarchetypes in our collective unconscious. Jung claimed that mythology was a projection of this collective unconscious, and their symbols are our guides. Gaudaire-Thorís symbols are clues that he hopes will guide us to a better understanding of our origins and reveal ìa hidden and busy conscience.î The artist purports to reconnect the past and present ìin revealing and putting back together these scattered fragments of history.î He combines cultures and mythologies like archeological cubism. Instead of showing us different views side by side, we see different time periods and civilizations in juxtaposition, bringing the past into the present. Even if you do not understand the cultural references, Gaudaire-Thor advises that you ìfind your own way through it.î He compares his paintings to understanding a country. First you experience a place, but as you come to know the history of the country, you have a new appreciation for it and a better understanding of the people. Gaudaire-Thorís art may take more understanding on the part of the audience, but there is more there than can be seen at first glance. His art is a multi-layered journeyólayers of materials, cultures and meanings left to be unearthed like archeological artifacts. The surface of the painting, Gaudaire-Thor said, is like skin, and shows the back of his hand. Underneath are layers of skeleton, muscle and veins, but you can still see them, and sense them, from the outside. Perhaps we need three exhibits then, to fully experience Gaudaire-Thorís work. Although each exhibit is marked by its own title, the themes overlap. In fact, it is hard to distinguish the differences. ìTracking Down This Split Memoryî is being shown at Alliance FranÁaise. This cultural center is more like a crowded but cozy home where fliers and movie posters compete for attention with the small exhibit. Itís better to experience Gaudaire-Thorís work in the generous space at La Maison FranÁaise where sun, pouring in from the skylights, illuminates the paintings. The exhibit at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura is titled ìColumbus: The Impossible Gaze.î It follows an exhibit Gaudaire-Thor presented in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbusís discovery. The new exhibit focuses on the idea of a journey into the unknown, like Columbusís journey. The pieces continue the artistís goal of discovering the past and journeying into an unknown future. Martin Stiglio, director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, describes ìThe Impossible Gazeî as ìthe impossibility of perception when there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of what appears in front of your eyes.î The collection here also displays some of Gaudaire-Thorís ceramic works. All three exhibits are complimentary but can be seen alone as well. This is the first time Alliance FranÁaise, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and La Maison FranÁaise have worked together to bring an artistís work to our attentionóexpect more collaborations in the future. ìTracking Down This Split Memoryî runs through March 18 at the Alliance FranÁaise, 2142 Wyoming Ave., NW. For more information, please call (202) 234ñ7911. ìColumbus: The Impossible Gazeî runs through March 15 at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, 2025 M St., NW, Suite 610. For more information, please call (202) 223ñ9800. ìThe Shoreî finished Feb. 28 at La Maison FranÁaise, 4101 Reservoir Road, NW. For more information, please call (202) 944ñ6091 or visit www.gaudairethor.com. Serena Lei is an arts writer for The Washington Diplomat.