The brush writing of Catherine Danou.

Her work resembles writing, with a modern and contemporary character, while allowing something older, almost historical, to shine through, like a calligraphy that comes from afar seeking to convey a message. It is precisely this blend of modernity and ethnicity, of graphic representations, half-figurative half-abstract, that motivated the choice of ARTIST.

 A return to the artist CATHERINE DANOU, already invited to collaborate two years ago on the series "Au fil de lin."

In a nod to the new canvas, the collection is titled LES MOTS BLEUS and thus announces its theme and dominant color. It is also the title of a famous song with no direct link to the subject but whose notes cradle the memories of everyone. As if the painter had composed a silent score on her preferred medium, lokta, a paper made from a plant produced in Nepal.

The shoot took place in Morocco, a nearby destination to ensure light and softness. It is in the middle of December 2025 that the spring-summer collection is photographed to be delivered in early May 2026. 

 

In resonance with the work of CATHERINE DANOU, a very contemporary place was needed but strongly linked to customs and materials.

As a reminder, the artist mainly works on this superb Nepalese paper made from lokta.

Its particular structure has influenced the choice of raw materials and has directed the simple and natural spirit intentionally refined by the Art-à-Porter brand.

 

Produced on attractive bases mixed with cotton but not only, this new chapter offers calm colors, subtle embroideries, and timeless prints. A clothing dialogue with the work of CATHERINE DANOU taken literally.

 

The collection perfectly reflects her pictorial work, reminding that the Nepalese used to starch and iron their exceptional paper much like a fabric. In ancient times, they also sewed garments from this material, which is so noble in the eyes of CATHERINE D., heir to a family history with textiles.

 

She works this coarsely gridded parchment, fringed with threads whose randomness of texture and color she appreciates. She writes in paint. The material of one nourishes the material of the other. The artist strips it, digs into it to leave traces of passages. The mesh fluctuates according to sensations, at the whim of the moment's perception.

In this tradition, it is with a reed pen or a slanted cut reed that she scratches what becomes raw canvas. Just as it can be with a brush, more classic, or with a finger!

On an off-white background, today’s blue writing connects to the remnants of an ancestral alphabet or a Morse code unique to the artist.

To culminate in the narrative of these bluish signs, the wardrobe of ARTIST will give discreet looks to your beautiful days. A succession of characters repeated infinitely, almost similar but unique when detailed. Just like this skillfully stripped pictorial spirit, your subtle and singular look will adapt to the friendly warmth of the upcoming sunny spells.

“The Blue Words” in presentation from January 23 to February 1, 2026.

It is probably not a coincidence that the artist, who comes from an initial training as a lawyer, has followed a completely different path made of intersections, choices, constraints, and freedom. There remains an instinctive attraction to the tables of the law, the rigorous and framed inscriptions. The precision of this personal punctuation, the compartmentalization of her symbols, the nuances of her monochrome palette embody this universe that CATHERINE DANOU enjoys pushing the boundaries of. To set a frame but be able to step outside of it.

Her regular participation showcases her during of solo and group exhibitions, fairs, and shows in France as well as abroad.

Represented by several galleries, Amélie du Chalard based in Paris and New York follows her closely. This gallery is experiencing real success in a context that is difficult for art in general.

She shares her life between the island of Oléron in her main workshop and Paris, where she has a secondary workshop.

Find all her news on Facebook and Instagram catherine_danou