Boris Garanger – Circle Foundation for the Arts

What themes does your work involve?

Each individual has their own expressivity, unique to oneself, that makes its unicity, an expressivity conveyed through the body. Movement defines the individual in space. The subject is a presence through the body, an action through its movement, an appearance through his clothing, its style. After working on a series in which the human being had a strong presence; I felt the need to create a quieter, painting where the human presence would only be suggested by its absence. A more intimate, more introverted gaze engages us in contemplation. The process that matters to me is that of the spectator's sensory experience. A test of discovery, of owning the place. Human yes, but where? And how? A two-way questioning on my pictorial practice, namely on presence and absence, on content and form.

Describe your creative process.

Situated in a figurative vein, the form is thought out before attacking the canvas. The idea, the message will determine the form. I build an image by collage or digital collage. It allows me to work on composition. When I attack the canvas, I use a big brushstroke that is fairly large with the paint diluted in turpentine. The moment is crucial because it will be the energy, the light, the madness of the end result. Then I work more specifically on the colors and their relationships. Working on solids, touches, gradients according to the desired rendering.

What influences your work? What inspires you? Why do you make art?

Inspiration comes naturally when the mind gets used to seeing everything with a singular vision. Questioning things, a different point of view, philosophy allows us to break away from stereotypes. Understanding, observation, openness to the nature of things, and its principles dictate the method. If today I make art it is because it is necessary. My sanity is at stake. Art is a wonderful way to see the world. It is my holy grail. Art is everywhere, I can't escape it, it contaminated me in a very nice way.

What is good art? What makes a piece of art great?

A major work of art is created when the form and idea are compelling. The idea must be essential, the form is technical, precise. The form serves the idea. When these two fit together they find their balance. Then the magic happens. A major work of art is timeless. It is self-sufficient. It's obvious, like a feeling of deja-vu. When I see a masterpiece I often tell myself that I would have liked to have had the idea and put it into shape.

What is the role of the artist today?

The artist must concentrate at the strongest on his creation, immerse himself fully with great discipline. The artist has a duty towards art and its creation, outside the commercial principle, not towards society. When he is close enough to the "real" then his "message" can serve others. His music will lift souls and can awaken consciences. In contemporary creation, the artist must be transgressive and subversive. The permanent questioning of its creation is essential. The artist is engaged.