Born in 1982 in Paris, France Lives and works in Paris, France

According to Seneca and Cicero, otium (a Latin word evoking an individual’s free time occupations) is a time for writing, studying and philosophy. In Augustin times, otium became an expression relating to a way of life implying philosophical readings, art, physical exercise, social life and conviviality. Despite common thought, otium is no synonym for “doing nothing”, on the contrary, it is a time for studious and fertile leisure. Cicero even proclaimed: “otium cum dignitate” (noble idleness).

This noble idleness, be it dignified or not, is what Marion Charlet has been painting in watercolour. Here, everything invites to relaxation and quietness. Some paintings place us in cosy beds, in an atmosphere of acidulous colours, others transport us to midsummer for a waterside nap... This is how Marion makes us reflect on what we do of our lifetime, choosing either dilution or concentration, which, Seneca says, define two categories of individuals: occupati and otiosi.

An encounter with this young and talented painter means being summoned into a dream, liberated from any kind of responsibility, enjoying this inner liberation which, far from utter laziness or iner- tia, is the necessary condition to have one’s mind nurtured.