Technical Review
How do you asses the artist’s technique in terms of colors, shapes, texture, and size, as well as used material, medium, and process?
At first glance, I find Alain Goulet’s selected portfolio to be of high technical quality, particularly in the field of photography.
His collection is impressively diverse, encompassing a wide array of subjects, including animals, human figures, natural landscapes, and urban scenes. While the subject matter varies greatly, each piece stands out with its own distinct character, yet the overall quality remains consistently strong. In terms of composition and framing, Alain Goulet demonstrates a refined approach. The color palette leans towards realism, with minimal post-processing, allowing the authenticity of the scenes to shine through.
I also observe a unique perspective in Goulet’s work, whether it’s capturing dynamic, motion- filled human subjects, intimate details of animals, or awe-inspiring natural landscapes. His landscape photography, in particular, conveys a sense of grandeur and is especially striking.
“His collection is impressively diverse”
Where does the reviewer see the possibility for improvement?
While Alain Goulet’s wide range of subject matter is undoubtedly a strength, I do have some concerns regarding the cohesiveness of his artistic narrative. The diversity of themes, from Icelandic landscapes to urban scenes in New York City and moments captured in Japan, is impressive. However, this variety could also dilute his personal artistic signature, making it less distinct.
There are two possible ways Alain could address this. First, by establishing a more cohesive narrative that goes beyond merely organizing the works by geographic location. While he currently separates his work by region, I believe this is not enough to create a strong, unified artistic voice. He could introduce more consistent motifs or techniques across different series, such as using similar color palettes, recurring compositional elements, or shared subjects. This would create a more deliberate dialogue between the pieces, resulting in a portfolio that feels more cohesive and consistent in its narrative. Secondly, developing a more recognizable personal style could significantly enhance the impact of his work. While the individual pieces are strong, there is room to make them more distinctly recognizable as part of Alain Goulet’s vision.
The simplest way to begin this process could be through the consistent use of color grading. By developing a signature color tone or treatment, Alain could ensure his work stands out in the market, making his portfolio more unified and, ultimately, more irreplaceable.
Artistic
What is the strenght of the portfolio?
In my view, two standout pieces in Alain Goulet's selected portfolio are Series of Waterfalls Iceland and Musician Speeding to his Next Engagement. These works capture both the majesty of nature and the dynamic energy of urban life in uniquely compelling ways. Series of Waterfalls Iceland particularly impresses me with its ability to convey the sheer magnitude of the natural landscape. The composition is meticulously executed, and the use of color effectively highlights the contrast between the flowing water and the surrounding environment. The handling of the waterfall’s motion, through the use of a well-timed shutter speed, creates a smooth and captivating flow, while the background sunset adds a warm, ethereal glow. Visually, this piece is, in my opinion, a flawless example of landscape photography.
Another exceptional piece is Musician Speeding to his Next Engagement. I am especially drawn to this work for its strong sense of motion and narrative. The dynamic energy of the subject, speeding on a skateboard with a guitar in hand, is enhanced by the blurred background, which gives a vivid sense of movement. The high grain texture adds a gritty, urban feel to the image, which further enriches its storytelling. The combinaion of action and detail makes this photograph one of the most striking and unique in Alain Goulet’s collection.
Who or what can you follow and study, or get inspiration from?
Photography is a vast field, filled with countless remarkable photographers and artists. However, what stands out about Alain Goulet's work is that he already possesses a unique perspective on how he interprets the world through his lens.
For this reason, I don’t believe that Alain needs to imitate or follow the footsteps of any specific photographer. His inspiration should come from continuing to shoot as much as possible and exposing himself to a wide range of visual experiences.
His work stands out in the market, making his portfolio more unified and, ultimately, more irreplaceable.
- Véra Kempf