Fabienne Francotte (b.1959, Brussels) explores the possibilities of fabric, metal, and clay in her engagement with the aftermath of trauma, abuse, and migratory displacement. The artist often draws from her observations and experiences of people around her, including her own—transgressing the boundaries of culture, social, and economic classes. Francotte has concerned herself with a range of social issues present in Sri Lanka, such as education, the sex industry, and religious tolerance. Francotte's training as a calligrapher is evident in her drawings, which showcase ritualistic execution, balance, and precise, controlled gestures.
Francotte’s training as a ballet dancer at the Danse Conservatory of Brussel under Maurice Béjart (1968 -1977) and calligraphy at Maison du Livre, Brussels (2000) is noticeable in the controlled precision of her practice.
Francotte has participated in solo presentations at KIAR Art Residency, Kathmandu (2022), Edge Gallery, Dhaka (2019), Galerie Diptyk Nantes, Nantes, France (2016) Galerie Espace Blanche, Brussels (2015) Centre Culturel de Glossa, Skopelos, Greece (2015). Francotte has also participated in group exhibitions at Pristine Gallery, New Delhi (2024), Centre Wallonie Bruxelles, Paris (2023) and Colomboscope, Colombo (2019). Francotte has also presented performances at the Curatorial Intensive South Asia initiative of the Khoj International Artists’ Association (2023) and the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Colombo (2022).
Francotte has also been a part of a residency at KIAR Art Residency, Kathmandu, (2022).