Alone Together: Paintings of Quiet Connection

Reflections on Intimacy, Presence and Independence

Alone Together marks the beginning of a new series on intimacy and independence. In 2025, expressionist artist Sebastien Montel introduced Lonely Together, a body of work that examined the paradox of feeling isolated while surrounded by others. With Alone Together, he shifts perspective, focusing instead on the quiet comfort and subtle joy found in sharing space with others while remaining grounded in one’s own solitude.

A Shift in Perspective

The series invites viewers to consider the positive dimensions of togetherness—how presence does not diminish individuality, but can coexist with it in a state of balance. Montel challenges the traditional view of solitude as synonymous with loneliness, presenting it instead as something that can be enriching, even in the company of others. His work highlights a gentle harmony between connection and introspection, where community and individuality naturally intertwine.

In Alone Together I, a man and a woman sit side by side on a couch, their proximity suggesting a deep, unspoken bond. Their body language and subtle gestures convey both closeness and independence. Montel’s expressionist style is evident in the exaggerated hands and slightly distorted features, which intensify the emotional resonance of the scene and reflect the complexity of human relationships.

The First Expression of Alone Together

As the first piece in the series, Alone Together I encapsulates Montel’s exploration of solitude and connection. Through bold brushwork and evocative color, the painting captures a moment where personal isolation and shared presence exist simultaneously, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nuanced experience of being alone—together.

About the author

Explore Sébastien Montel’s evocative portfolio at sebastienmontel.com/works or reach out to orders@sebastienmontel.com for inquiries and acquisitions of his expressionist paintings.