Simon Blau

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Simon Brault

Simon Brault

Simon Brault is a French painter who has built his unique artistic world based on rich erudition and exceptional painting technique. His works are characterized by an intellectual and poetic world where painting, literature, and philosophy intersect, giving him a unique presence in contemporary French painting.

Born to parents who were both professors and painters at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he grew up in an academic art environment from an early age. He graduated with honors from the research department of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he deeply studied the techniques and aesthetics of traditional European painting. He has a deep interest not only in painting but also in literature and philosophy, and this intellectual background supports his artistic world.

Simon Brault's works are not merely visual expressions; each one tells a story. The central motifs in his works often carry literary and philosophical symbolism, sometimes leading viewers into a spiritual world reminiscent of the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud or Charles Baudelaire, or the ideas of Albert Camus or Jean-Paul Sartre. It can be said that the tradition of European painting since the Renaissance and the spirit of 19th-20th century French literature are newly fused in the works of 21st-century painter Simon Brault.

He himself describes his artistic background as follows:

"I grew up entering my parents' studio, smelling the turpentine, listening to conversations about painting, and watching them wash their brushes. I was influenced by many painters, but the most decisive were Nicolas de Staël, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, and Raoul Dufy. Braque's rigor and Dufy's freedom are both fascinating. The time I spend reading philosophy and science books gives me peace. But ultimately, the act of painting is to express myself."

Biography

1970 Born in Paris

1992–1999 Studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris
Obtained DNAP (National Diploma in Visual Arts)
Obtained DNSEP (National Higher Diploma in Plastic Expression)

From 1998
Atelier du Grenier à Sel – Orléans

Short-term studies in Prague, Scotland, Africa, London, Florence, Glasgow

Major Awards

2004 Grand Prix, Salon des Indépendants
2004 Conseil Général Prize (work acquired)
2004 Honored Guest Artist, Salon des Indépendants
2005 City of Orléans Prize (work acquired)
2005 Honored Guest Artist, Salon du Grenier à Sel
2007 Grand Prix, Taylor Foundation
2007 Art Advisor, City of Olivet
2010 Dumas-Millier Prize, Académie des Beaux-Arts, Institut de France
2012 Peyron Prize, Académie des Beaux-Arts, Institut de France

Major Solo Exhibitions

Galerie Bastide
Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans
Galerie 17
Galerie Elisath
Galerie Château Simiane
Galerie Adekat and others

Works in Collections

Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain Centre
Musée de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts de Nantes
Taylor Foundation
Musée de l'Académie de Paris
Musée de l'Institut de France
Musée de l'Académie d'Orléans
R. Laurent-Bernard Foundation
Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain Auvergne