"Simply Paradise" by Mathilde FDLP

"Simply Paradise" (109x74,5cm). Mathilde FDLP. Acrylic and Collage on paper. Original Piece.

"Simply Paradise" is a tribute to my early days in Marseille, created shortly after my arrival in July, when my partner and I were discovering this fascinating city. It is a deeply emotional painting, capturing the simplicity and freedom of our lives at the time: days filled with painting, exploring Marseille’s streets, and spending hours by the sea.

The composition reflects my first impression of Marseille: its vibrant, sunlit facades, its striking contrasts, and its rich cultural diversity. At the center, a woman gazing at a Mediterranean landscape symbolizes an openness to the world. She embodies the unique harmony I experienced, such as sharing beaches with women wearing burkinis alongside carefree, topless bathers. These stark differences, coexisting so naturally, reflect Marseille’s soul—a city where social and cultural diversity blend into something uniquely beautiful.

The orange trees and collage elements evoke both simplicity and history, a reminder of those moments when, despite having little money and no jobs yet, we found endless wealth in creativity, human connections, and discovery.

Painted in vibrant colors and rich textures, Simply Paradise is a celebration of harmony within contrasts, the beauty of diversity, and my love for a city that continues to inspire and surprise.

Mathilde FDLP.