Simon Brew
He is a French painter who has built a unique artistic world based on his rich education and outstanding painting skills. His works feature 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 at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and painters, he grew up in an academic art environment from an early age. He graduated from the research department of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris with excellent grades, 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 Blau's works are not merely visual expressions, but paintings where each one tells a story. The central motifs in his works often carry literary and philosophical symbolism, sometimes leading the viewer into a spiritual world that evokes 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 merged in the works of 21st-century painter Simon Blau.
He himself says the following about his artistic background:
"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 particularly decisive were Nicolas de Staël, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, and Raoul Dufy. Braque's rigor and Dufy's freedom are both fascinating. Reading philosophy and science books gives me peace. But ultimately, the act of painting is about expressing myself."
Biography
1970 Born in Paris
1992–1999 Studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris
Obtained DNAP (National Diploma in Plastic Arts)
Obtained DNSEP (Higher National Diploma in Plastic Expression)
1998–
Atelier du Grenier à Sel – Orléans
Short-term studies in Prague, Scotland, Africa, London, Florence, and Glasgow
Major Awards
2004 Grand Prix, Salon des Indépendants
2004 Conseil Général Award (Work acquired and housed)
2004 Guest of Honor, Salon des Indépendants
2005 City of Orléans Award (Work housed)
2005 Guest of Honor, Salon du Grenier à Sel
2007 Grand Prix, Fondation Taylor
2007 Art Advisor, City of Olivet
2010 Dumas-Millier Award, Académie des Beaux-Arts, Institut de France
2012 Peyron Award, Académie des Beaux-Arts, Institut de France
Major Solo Exhibitions
Galerie Bastide
Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans
Galerie 17
Galerie Elisart
Galerie Château Simiane
Galerie Adekat and others
Works Housed In
Fondation d'Art Contemporain de la Région Centre
Musée de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts de Nantes
Fondation Taylor
Musée de l'Académie de Paris
Musée de l'Institut de France
Musée de l'Académie d'Orléans
Fondation R. Laurent-Barré
Fondation d'Art Contemporain d'Auvergne