Evelyn Gilibert
The Artist and The Professor
Evelyne Gilibert, a renowned French artist, has carved an extraordinary path in the world of fine arts, restoration, and education. With a career spanning over three decades, her expertise in decorative painting and antique restoration has garnered her a global clientele. Her passion for the arts goes beyond her creative endeavours, as she also dedicates herself to teaching future generations. Through her distinctive work, particularly her personal project My Book of Ladies, Evelyne’s journey is a testament to the resilience and elegance of her craft, blending tradition with innovation.
Evelyne’s artistic journey began early, receiving formal training in drawing at the Académie du Mousseau in Bourges during her teenage years. Her natural talent flourished, and in 1979, she was accepted into the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts.
By 1984, she had earned her Master’s degree with distinction in the History of Art, focusing her thesis on “The Modernity in Faux Marble in Giotto’s Painting.” Her pursuit of excellence led her to the Institut Van der Kellen in Brussels, where she was awarded a Silver Medal in 1985 for her mastery of traditional painting and decorative techniques.
With over 30 years of experience in decorative painting, Evelyne has worked with an international clientele. Her expertise spans a wide range of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, cupolas, and special commissions. She has been entrusted with projects for private palaces and villas, and for the past six years, has been exclusively engaged in presidential projects across the UAE and internationally.
In 2017, Evelyne became a partner and Artistic Director at Le Boudoir, where she supervises the production of bespoke furniture and decorative accessories for private clients and interior designers. Alongside her work at Le Boudoir, she continues to lead large-scale projects in Europe and the Gulf, while dedicating time to teaching at the Canadian University in Dubai.
My Book of Ladies
For nearly 25 years, Evelyne has worked on her personal project, My Book of Ladies, an intimate collection of intricate miniature paintings. Inspired by the concept of ‘Ladies’ works’, traditionally linked to fine embroidery, Evelyne created these pieces during her travels and late-night vigils.
The collection reflects the delicate balance of insects in their natural environments, sometimes blending in, other times standing out in stark contrast—much like the Ladybird, whose vivid red spots signal its toxicity despite its lack of defences. Each piece is meticulously dated and annotated, with a record of the doilies used as canvases, many of which have since become vintage.
Techniques and Inspirations
Evelyne’s techniques are as diverse as her inspirations. For instance, she uses dry pastels to depict door knockers, capturing their material, shape, and era while respecting their function. Her work is also rooted in academic drawing, using sepia ink, sanguine, and pastels to play with shadows and light. She draws inspiration from masters like Albrecht Dürer and Michelangelo, whose precision and attention to detail deeply influence her own work.
Evelyne Gilibert’s career is a remarkable fusion of artistic skill, educational dedication, and cultural preservation. Her ability to move effortlessly between creating exclusive works of art, restoring historical pieces, and imparting her knowledge to the next generation makes her a truly inspiring figure.
Through her highly sought-after bespoke creations and her intricate miniature paintings in My Book of Ladies, Evelyne continues to enrich the world with her vision and expertise. Her legacy remains a lasting inspiration for both artists and art enthusiasts alike.
