FRANCESCA LALANNE

Band of Vices is pleased to present Guardians Of The Dew, a quiet, profound body of work, dubbed painterly - sculptures by Haitian - American, LA - based artist, Francesca Lalanne. 

In her Artist Statement, the artist reflects:

“I've found myself curious about the spirit of farm workers, unsung heroes of our society. I've thought deeply about the intricate workings of thi scommunity, recognizing the vital role each individual plays in sustaining our way of life. 

Contemplating the hands that sow seeds and those that serve with zeal, I've pondered how to immortalize their contributions beyond how they are traditionally captured through photographs and film. How can I craft enduring monuments for these tireless souls? 

Inspired by Jacques Roumain’s Masters Of The Dew, a tale that highlights the resilience of peasant farmers navigating a world of both enchanting beauty and formidable challenges, Guardians Of The Dew serves as my exploration into the pride of those I hold in high esteem for their vital labor. In this endeavor, I return to the medium of metal, shaping figures caught in the essence of their essential tasks—engaged, yet ever cognizant of their inherent value. 

My aim is to transcend the confines of two- dimensional space, infusing my creations with depth and dimensionality. I'm driven to experiment with natural oxidation and patina variations on steel, seeking to delineate both tangible and abstract realms within my work. In the spirit of timeless stone carvings, my intent is for the concept of ancient narratives to imbue this new body of work.” 

-Francesca Lalanne, Artist

Lalanne was born in South Florida but spent part of her childhood in Haiti. Here, she experienced the beauty and magic of the nation and its people. Returning to Florida, Lalanne enrolled in Miami’s Design and Architecture High School. Channeling her life experiences into a passion for creativity she continued her artistic and academic pursuits achieving a Bachelor of Design in Architecture and in Fine Arts from Florida International University as well as her Master of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her work has been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, Art Miami, and Transformative  Arts in partnership with the Getty, Vielmetter Los Angeles, and recently Charlie James Gallery. She currently lives and works in Los Angeles.