2019
About this work
"Threesome" is a bold, large-scale original painting by Henri Lamy. It represents a significant departure into narrative deconstruction, taking the initial setup of an adult film as its conceptual starting point to explore power dynamics, anticipation, and the human gaze.
Inspired by the opening sequences of contemporary adult media, "Threesome" ignores the graphic to focus on the psychological. It captures the "negotiation"—the moment of social tension and atmospheric weight that precedes a physical encounter.
The Central Triad: The composition features three figures in an office-like setting. The woman in yellow stands as the focal point, her back to the viewer, creating a sense of mystery and voyeurism. She is flanked by two male figures, one in a striking monochromatic red tracksuit, seated in a posture of expectant dialogue.
The Frame Within a Frame: To the right, a secondary "canvas" depicts a surreal tropical oasis with a lounging figure—a dreamlike projection that contrasts the gritty, chaotic energy of the primary room.
Abstract Environment: Lamy utilizes spray paint, acrylic, and heavy oil impasto to create a nebula of color (purples, oranges, and blues) that dissolves the boundaries of the physical room, turning a mundane office into a psychological space.
The Iconographic Border: The work is encased in a hand-painted, mosaic-style border. Each tile contains a unique glyph—ranging from crescent moons to tech icons—creating a modern-day "hieroglyphic" frame that elevates the scene to a contemporary ritual.
Movement-Based Application: As a practitioner of Capoeira-inspired action painting, Lamy’s brushwork is kinetic. Every stroke on the central figures conveys the physical energy of the room.
Mixed Media Mastery: The interplay between the flat textures of spray paint and the thick, sculpted oil paint (impasto) creates a rich, tactile experience for the collector.
The "Red Door" Motif: A vertical splash of vivid red serves as a structural anchor, symbolizing an exit or entrance into this unrepeatable moment.