On the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China, the painter and sinologist Benoît Vermander presents “The Allure of the Brush“, a personal exhibition of artworks that celebrate the power of expression through the Chinese brush.
35 AVENUE GEORGE V, PARIS 8
19 January – 6 March 2024
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Through his experience, his artistic and literary works, as well as his commitment to intercultural dialogue, Benoît Vermander champions the ethics and aesthetics related to the act of the encounter, a core principle for ICICLE.
The exhibition “The Allure of the Brush“, organised by the ICICLE Cultural Space under the curation of Myriam Kryger, showcases twelve artworks created between 2020 and 2022, using Chinese brush and ink on rice paper.
Created using ancient techniques, they highlight a distinctly different approach to painting. The drawing from strokes represents more than just an image or a concept. It is meant to be taken in its entirety, encompassing the artist himself, his energy, and emotions that have guided him through what appears to be a “single brushstroke“.
BENOÎT VERMANDER
Benoît Vermander, known by his artistic name Bendu, was born in France in 1960. A political scientist and sinologist, he has been based in Asia since 1992. He has been living and working in Shanghai since 2009, where he teaches religious anthropology and hermeneutics of Chinese classics at the prestigious Fudan University.
He discovered calligraphy during his first trip to China in 1987. He trained to become one of the few European artists initiated into Chinese techniques. Nourished by this dual culture, his works, halfway between painting and calligraphy, draw inspiration from Chinese traditions and landscapes.
Exhibitions have been dedicated to him in China, as well as in France and the United States. Benoît Vermander is also the author of a collection of poems and books dedicated to cross-cultural dialogue, for which he has received several literary awards.
ARTWORKS
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CIEL EN APLATS, 2022
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ENVOLÉE, 2022
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TÊTE EN ROSE ET GRIS, 2016
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LAC ROSE À SCEAU VERT, 2022
WHAT IS A BRUSHSTROKE?
Traditional Chinese art gives special importance to the stroke. In Chinese calligraphy and painting, it represents much more than a line on paper. It embodies the breath – the foundation of Taoist thought. It breathes life into image, and can be felt as much as it can be seen.
On the 1st of February, the ICICLE Cultural Space will welcome Yolaine Escande, sinologist and expert in Chinese aesthetics and graphic arts, for a unique encounter with the artist. They will discuss the expressive and symbolic power of the stroke in Chinese calligraphy and painting.
“THE ALLURE OF THE BRUSH“ EXHIBITION
ICICLE CULTURAL SPACE
35 AVENUE GEORGE V, PARIS 8
19 JANUARY – 6 MARCH 2024
ALL THE EXHIBITIONS
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2024 CULTURAL SEASON
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2023 CULTURAL SEASON