the "les ceintes” series is a testament to marie-amélie chéreau's quest for light. in these white oil palette knife paintings, light prevails over darkness, with shadows lingering but never overpowering. through layers of white paint, the interplay between light and shadow is revealed, demonstrating how the beauty of light is crafted from the depths of darkness. these works highlight the essential role of shadows in allowing light to shine, reflecting life's complexities where light emerges from darkness, creating a harmonious and profound visual experience. the title "Ceintes," meaning "surrounded" and being a homonym of "saint," perfectly encapsulates the essence of these paintings, with each piece radiating a sense of being surrounded and embraced by holy luminosity.