A Beacon of Light

Engravings by Julian Schuster

Dolphin Gallery Exhibit


Opens Satruday, August 1 from 1-3 pm, exhibit up through August 30

Schuster, who first exhibited at the Dolphin in July 2023, returns with a vibrant new collection of linocut engravings that celebrate the charm of Honfleur, the historic Norman port town he calls home, and the dynamic spirit of San Francisco, inspired by a recent family visit to the Bay Area.

For Julien Schuster,  every engraving has a story.  

As seen in the San Francisco series, Julien is drawn quite literally to the climate as well as the architecture of the City by the Bay. Fog and cloud formations permeate the engravings as they often do over the Golden Gate Bridge and in  the many iconic neighborhoods with their Edwardian and Victorian buildings. The featured work of the lighthouse casting its essential beacon of light is entitled “Comment Naissent Les Nuages”, which can be translated as how clouds are born.  The lighthouse in the featured work is orienting for those navigating perilous waters.  And the insight and humor in Julien’s engravings of both San Francisco and Normandy are also centering and provide a beacon of light to the viewer.

Known for his whimsical style and witty juxtapositions, Schuster’s work captures the essence of place through playful interpretations of architecture, flora, fauna, and everyday objects. His pieces are richly layered-sometimes requiring up to seven pressings- and hand-colored to achieve a tapestry of textures and hues that evoke both nostalgia and delight.

Born in 1972 in Enghien-les-Bains, just outside Paris, Schuster began his artistic journey designing theater sets for children and exploring silk screen printing. His imaginative approach transforms the ordinary into the poetic, earning praise for its tenderness, humility, and cheerfulness. Journalist Pauline Brehat once described him as “a lover of life, a sweet dreamer firmly rooted in reality, who seeks to infuse beauty and lightness into the everyday.”

Schuster’s engravings reflect the landscapes and rhythms of Normandy- wine, weather, wildlife, and seaside architecture—while his new San Francisco series offers a fresh perspective on the city’s iconic forms and cultural vibrancy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the joyful artistry of Julien Schuster, whose work continues to enchant audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.