Dance the World 2 by Marie-Jo Lafontaine, created in 2010, is a compelling black-and-white pigment print that captures an intimate moment between two women dancing. The figures, dressed in elegant black attire, share a close, focused connection as they hold each other in a poised dance position. The image exudes a sense of intensity and elegance, amplified by the soft, diffused lighting and the opulent background details, such as chandeliers and ornate mirrors. Lafontaine’s skillful use of light and shadow brings depth and emotion to the scene, highlighting themes of connection, strength, and grace. This limited edition print, signed and numbered on the reverse, measures 26 x 30 cm and is part of an edition of 100 pieces.
Marie-Jo Lafontaine (Belgium, 1950–2026) was a contemporary artist celebrated for her multimedia installations, video sculptures, and monochromatic artworks. Best known for Les Larmes d'Acier (1986), her works explored emotion, memory, and societal issues. Lafontaine's innovative fusion of video and photography left a profound mark on contemporary art.
PrintA pigment print is a type of print that uses ink colored with pigment particles. Pigment ink is commonly used in inkjet printing because it is more durable and resistant to fading compared to dye-based ink, which is more vibrant but less stable over time.
Dance the World 2 by Marie-Jo Lafontaine, created in 2010, is a compelling black-and-white pigment print that captures an intimate moment between two women dancing. The figures, dressed in elegant black attire, share a close, focused connection as they hold each other in a poised dance position. The image exudes a sense of intensity and elegance, amplified by the soft, diffused lighting and the opulent background details, such as chandeliers and ornate mirrors. Lafontaine’s skillful use of light and shadow brings depth and emotion to the scene, highlighting themes of connection, strength, and grace. This limited edition print, signed and numbered on the reverse, measures 26 x 30 cm and is part of an edition of 100 pieces.
Marie-Jo Lafontaine (Belgium, 1950–2026) was a contemporary artist celebrated for her multimedia installations, video sculptures, and monochromatic artworks. Best known for Les Larmes d'Acier (1986), her works explored emotion, memory, and societal issues. Lafontaine's innovative fusion of video and photography left a profound mark on contemporary art.
Art is a poetic attempt to master reality in its entirety.
- Marie-Jo Lafontaine
Marie-Jo Lafontaine is a contemporaryconceptual artist born in Belgium. She is best known for her sculptures and videos, but she also works with textiles, tapestry, video installations, and photography. Notable works by Lafontaine include Dance the World! (2008), a lyrical film documenting dancers performing Flamenco and Tango; Steel Tears (1987), a video sculpture; and Babylon Babies, a series of large-format portrait photographs of teenagers set against monochromatic backgrounds, also published in book form.
Lafontaine’s work focuses on human existence in its many forms. Her photography has sometimes been described as documentary in style, while her themes often carry an existential quality. Her compositions capture the beauty and intrigue of the world around us, or present people without contextual references that might influence the viewer’s interpretation. Her work encourages audiences to see the world differently, inviting them to reflect on her constructed environments and to experience familiar images with fresh eyes.
Her books have been published in several languages, including French, German, and English, and are held in libraries and bookstores around the world. Lafontaine’s work has been exhibited at LACMA, Tate Gallery, Centre Georges Pompidou, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. (Artist website)
Sometimes referred to as Conceptualism, this is an art form where the idea(s) or concept(s) behind the work take precedence over material concerns and traditional aesthetics. Many conceptual artworks can be created by anyone simply by following written instructions. The concept or idea is the most essential aspect of the artwork.