Art Talk With Contemporary Artist Fabien Bouguennec

We recently had the pleasure to chat with artist Fabien Bouguennec after his exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre, October 20-22, 2017. The Carrousel du Louvre is an underground shopping mall in Paris, France. The name refers to two nearby sites, the Louvre museum and the Place du Carrousel. The mall contains a famous skylight, La Pyramide Inversée (the Inverted Pyramid). Bouguennec is now en route to Miami for Art Basel Miami Beach December 6-10, where he will be exhibiting at Spectrum Miami Art Fair, a juried contemporary art show in the heart of Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District. Spectrum boasts an international slate of artists and galleries, a five-day fine art experience featuring Art Labs, Art Talks, Meet the Artist sessions, music, entertainment, and other special events.

Bouguennec is known for his cutting-edge abstract works, merging art and science as he explores new visual concepts through nature, materials and objects. We spoke with him about his art, his inspirations, ideas and goals, we’re very excited for Bougennec to be here in South Florida exhibiting his work during Miami Art Week.

Bouguennec painting new pieces from his Origin series of round works.

Q – When did you first become interested in art, how did your career begin?

A – Even as a child, I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I was given the chance to exhibit my work alongside other artists. It was at that exhibition that I sold my first painting. My decision was made.

‘Exploration’, acrylic, inc, pastel on canvas, 110 x 110 cm, 2014.

Q – Can you tell us more about what your creative process is like?

A – The starting point is my sketchbook where the construction of a future painting begins. Inspired by a face or simply a posture I have seen. From the sketchbook to canvas, I paint with successive transparent washes whilst leaving space for chaos.

Q – How has your work evolved over the years?

A – My works began with figurative art, but as time went by they progressed, becoming more and more surrealist. After the birth of my sons, my work gained in maturity and reflection.

‘Hoag III’, acrylic, inc, gesso and goldleaf on canvas, 50 cm diameter, 2017.

Q – You’ll be exhibiting work in Miami during Art Basel Week 2017, can you tell us all the juicy details?

A – Well the fact that I’m here, at only 29 years old, among the great, it’s just unbelievable! One can expect to meet many VIP’s from the Art World during Art Basel Week. It’s The place to be for a young artist!

Q – Which artist or contemporary figure has influenced you and your work the most?

A – Oh, many! Dali has to be the first. I’ve always loved the surreaslists, all without exception. My work has also been influenced by numerous contemporary artists such as Yoshimoto Nara, François Boucheix, Francis Bacon to name a few!

Q – What is your most important artist tool, what would you be lost without?

A – Inspiration!

Q – At what point in your creative process do you begin to feel like the artwork you are working on is complete?

A – Personally it’s when hesitation appears! Even so, it’s very difficult to say when a painting is finished and perhaps only up to the moment when one feels that there is no room for improvement. It is then I put my brushes down. The painting can be left for months, even years before I make the decision to sign it or to destroy it if I’m not satisfied with the result.

The artist in his studio

Q – Do you have any advice for young artists who are studying art or trying to break into the art world?

A – Persevere, persevere and persevere! Believing in yourself whilst keeping an open mind to critics!

Q – Do you ever experience creative blocks, and if so how do you get around them?

A – Yes I have and I can only say that, patience is a virtue!

Q – What is next for you on the horizon after Miami Art Week?

A – Hopefully I will be showing my paintings in future art exhibitions in Miami. I also have an exhibition coming up in Paris in February and between these two projects I can be found in my studio doing what I like doing above all, making art!!