Aliou Diack, a painter from Senegal, is making waves in the contemporary art world with his unique artistic approach. Using natural materials such as roots, leaves, and earth-derived pigments, Diack recreates on canvas landscapes inspired by the forest of his childhood. His work, positioned between art and ritual, questions the connection between humans and nature, a relationship often overlooked in the modern era.
Art rooted in childhood
To understand Aliou Diack’s work, one must trace it back to the roots of his childhood. Born in Sidibougou, a village in Senegal, Diack recalls his daily journeys through the forest to reach school. “Back then, all we knew was the forest and the earth,” he says. These solitary walks, filled with silence and mystery, now permeate his paintings. Each canvas seems to evoke the muffled sounds of invisible animals, the whisper of wind through trees, or the shades of ochre and green that colored his childhood memories.
A unique approach : painting with nature
What sets Diack apart from other contemporary artists is undoubtedly his way of working with materials. Instead of using brushes or industrial paints, the artist prefers to collect natural elements, often ground into powder by shamans, to create his works. “I want the pigments and shapes to absorb the canvas, for it to disappear beneath nature,” Diack explains. In a gesture reminiscent of prehistoric art, he spreads his canvas directly on the ground, allowing it to interact with the wind, rain, and other natural forces…
In the diverse and ever-evolving world of contemporary art, Xiumin Men is carving out his own path with a personal and introspective approach to ink painting. Drawing inspiration from Taoist philosophy and the beauty of nature, this Chinese artist explores the harmony between humanity and the universe, blending abstraction with tradition in his creative process.
Redefining ink painting
Rooted in the rich heritage of Chinese ink painting, Xiumin Men brings a contemporary twist to this age-old art form. While honoring traditional techniques and principles, he incorporates abstract and philosophical elements that resonate with a modern audience. His work reflects the Taoist concept of “the unity of heaven and man”, striving to depict the interconnectedness of all living things.
Rather than merely replicating classic landscapes, his paintings aim to capture a deeper, intangible essence. The interplay of soft, fluid lines and structured forms creates a dynamic dialogue between order and chaos, the visible and the unseen.
A Journey Toward Recognition
Although not yet a household name, Xiumin Men is gradually gaining recognition on the international art scene. In 2020, he received an award at the Salon du dessin et de la peinture à l’eau at the Grand Palais in Paris, marking a significant milestone in his career. This opportunity introduced his work to European audiences and set the stage for further exploration beyond his home country.
Represented by ANKHART, Xiumin Men has since participated in several notable art events, including:
These experiences highlight his commitment to sharing his art with diverse audiences and engaging with demanding and varied artistic communities.
An evolving artistic practice
While grounded in tradition, Xiumin Men’s work remains in constant evolution. His style, still developing, explores abstract notions such as cosmic energy and universal connections. Far from claiming perfection, his paintings express a sincere and humble quest for balance between nature and spirituality.
Through minimalistic textures and compositions, he invites viewers to reflect on their own connection to the universe. Though his impact remains modest for now, his thoughtful approach is beginning to resonate with those interested in contemporary Chinese art.
Xiumin Men and ANKHART: a promising partnership
With the support of ANKHART, Xiumin Men has found a platform to showcase his work and grow as an artist. This partnership offers him opportunities to explore new avenues and connect with other international creators. While his name is not yet widely recognized, his participation in various art events demonstrates potential that could fully bloom in the years ahead.
A promise for the future
Xiumin Men is an artist in the midst of exploration, continuously refining and enriching his craft. His works, blending tradition and modernity, offer a personal and introspective perspective on universal themes of harmony and spirituality. While much remains to be discovered and achieved, Xiumin Men exemplifies how drawing from traditional roots can pave the way toward a forward-looking vision.
In the world of contemporary art, certain names emerge with particular force, and that of Yaki LI stands out as a key figure. Her unique career path, which combines fashion design with abstract artistic expression, has enabled her to create a singular universe where textures, colours and emotions merge to give birth to vibrant, captivating works.
An atypical career, a singular approach
Before plunging into the world of contemporary art, Yaki LI took her first steps in fashion design. This creative background, nurtured by a sensitivity to textures and a mastery of colours, deeply influences her artistic approach. By exploring abstraction, she transcends convention to convey intense emotions, offering viewers an experience that is both intimate and universal.
Her works are not just something to be contemplated: they invite dialogue and introspection. Each stroke, each nuance reveals a search for balance between chaos and harmony, transforming the canvas into a space for deep reflection.
ANKHART: a platform for artistic diversity
As founder of ANKHART, Yaki LI does not limit herself to her own artistic practice. She has created a platform dedicated to innovation and cultural exchange, where she plays a central role in bringing international talent to the fore. To date, more than 50 artists from diverse backgrounds have found in ANKHART a space to express themselves fully and share their singular visions.
ANKHART is more than just an exhibition space; it’s a veritable artistic laboratory. The exhibitions designed by Yaki LI are immersive and dynamic, establishing dialogues between the works and their viewers. Each event becomes an emotional journey, a celebration of the diversity of artistic and aesthetic practices.
Art as a cultural bridge
One of Yaki LI’s great strengths lies in its ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. The events she organises are not just about presenting works of art: they become moments of exchange, building bridges between cultures and artistic sensibilities. Through these encounters, Yaki LI encourages deep reflection on the place of art in a constantly changing world.
A commitment to the future of contemporary art
Yaki LI’s quest never stops. Always on the lookout for innovation, she imagines new formats to bring artists and audiences closer together, while pushing back the boundaries of what contemporary art can be. Thanks to her visionary approach, she is helping to redefine the contours of the international art scene.
Yaki LI is much more than an artist or a curator: she is a conduit for emotions and ideas, a figure who inspires and opens up new perspectives in the art world. Whether through her work or her commitment to ANKHART, she continues to shape an artistic landscape rich in diversity, intensity and beauty.
Discover the world of Yaki LI and ANKHART : an invitation to explore art in all its forms, through experiences that leave their mark on the mind and soul.
Nicole Azoulay, a contemporary painter from Paris, is charting an impressive course in the art world. Born in 1963, the mother of four discovered her artistic vocation relatively late in life, in 2013. It was only after extensive experimentation with various artistic techniques and intensive training that Nicole truly found her voice in contemporary abstract art.
Nicole Azoulay’s artistic career has been marked by rigorous training. For more than six years, she devoted six hours a day, four times a week, to learning painting techniques under the guidance of teachers. This intense commitment enabled her to master a variety of media, including acrylics, oils and watercolours. However, it is acrylic, applied with a knife, that has become her trademark, allowing her to create works with rich textures and vibrant colours.
Nicole Azoulay’s works are characterised by their abstraction and luminosity. She prefers large formats and uses a technique of layering colours and transparencies to create dynamic, vibrant compositions.
In a year marked by the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the town of L’Isle-Adam, which has been awarded the “Land of Games” label, is standing out with an ambitious cultural initiative: an open-air exhibition dedicated to the works of the artist Dan Jacobson. Organised at the initiative of Agnès Tellier, President of the Tourist Board and Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture and Tourism, the exhibition celebrates the Olympic spirit and showcases the talent of an artist who has captured the essence of the Games.
In the world of contemporary art, where experimentation and innovation are often sought after, Daniel Olivier manages to stand out with an approach that is both classic and deeply introspective. His latest work, “The Path of Vincent,” captures the essence of a poignant tribute to one of the greatest painters of all time, Vincent Van Gogh. This canvas, measuring 81 x 65 cm, crafted in oil and amber, plunges viewers into an emotional journey linking the early steps of the Dutch artist to his tragic end in Auvers-sur-Oise.
Daniel Olivier chose as a starting point a rare photograph of Van Gogh, taken in 1872 when he was only 19 years old. This choice is not trivial: it represents Daniel Olivier’s attempt to capture the innocence and latent potential of the young man before the storm of life consumed him. From this youthful face, Daniel weaves a visual spiral, a metaphor for the creative and destructive whirlwind that would define Van Gogh’s fate.
In 1860, an unexpected event turned the European art world upside down: Japan, after centuries of isolation, opened up to the West. The opening sent shockwaves through French artists, who for almost two millennia had been accustomed to an approach to painting based on shadows, gradations and perspective. By discovering Japanese art, with its simple lines, bright colours and bold use of asymmetry, European painters were confronted with a radically different way of representing the world. This aesthetic shock marked the beginning of a new era in Western art, known as Japonism.
Aslıhan Çiftgül, the Turkish artist who has already made her mark on the contemporary art world with her daring and singularity, has just been awarded a prize for her work ‘Satyres’, exhibited last February at the prestigious Grand Palais. The prize, awarded at an extraordinary biennial event in Lecce, Italy, celebrates not only her talent but also her ability to engage in dialogue across cultures and eras.
From 12 to 18 May 2024, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum hosted an exceptional group exhibition to celebrate the centenary of the friendship between Turkey and Japan. The event provided a valuable opportunity for the two nations to strengthen their cultural and artistic ties, bringing together artists and art lovers in a vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration.
A Festival of friendship and creativity
The Turkish Embassy in Japan played a central role in organising this event, inviting renowned artists to exhibit their work. Among them, Aslihan Ciftgul, a leading figure in contemporary art, honoured the exhibition with her presence. Her participation testifies to the importance Turkey attaches to this significant anniversary, symbolising a century of cultural exchange, mutual respect and sincere friendship between the two countries.
Works by Aslihan Ciftgul
Among the pieces on display, Aslihan Ciftgul presented two remarkable works depicting important historical figures of the Turkish Republic.
Sabiha Gökçen : The First Woman Pilot of the Turkish Republic
One of Ciftgul’s key works is a portrait of Sabiha Gökçen. Recognised as the first female combat pilot by the Guinness Book of Records, Gökçen flew around 8,000 hours and took part in 32 different military operations during her career. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medal of the Fédération Internationale de l’Aviation in 1991, and was the only woman selected for the “20 Greatest Aviators in History” poster in 1996.
Vecihi Hürkuş : The first male pilot of the Turkish Republic
Ciftgul’s second work depicts Vecihi Hürkuş, a Turkish fighter pilot and brilliant aeronautical engineer. Hürkuş built Turkey’s first aircraft, the Vecihi K-IV, and founded the country’s first civilian flying school. His contributions have been recognised with numerous honorary awards, underlining his pioneering role in Turkish aviation.
A cultural bridge between Turkey and Japan
This exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum not only celebrated the centenary of friendship between Turkey and Japan, but also provided a platform for artists from both countries to share their visions and inspirations. By highlighting the diversity and richness of artistic expression, the event strengthened cultural ties and promoted mutual understanding between the two nations.
Visitors to the exhibition had the opportunity to discover the depth and variety of the works on display, each piece telling a unique story and reflecting the cultural heritage of the artists. In conclusion, this artistic celebration marked an important moment in the history of Turkish-Japanese relations and symbolised a promising future of cooperation and enriching cultural exchanges.
For the first time in Europe, the Japanese photographer Yasuhiro Ishimoto is being celebrated with a major retrospective.
From 19 June to 17 November 2024, Paris will be the scene of an exceptional photographic event with the Yasuhiro Ishimoto exhibition at LE BAL. Organised in collaboration with the Ishimoto Yasuhiro Photo Center at the Museum of Art in Kochi, Japan, the exhibition will highlight an artist who is often overlooked in France and offer European visitors an insight into the work of a key figure in twentieth-century photography.
Born in San Francisco in 1921 to Japanese parents, Ishimoto grew up in Japan before returning to the United States, where he was interned during the Second World War because of his origins. After his release, he joined the Institute of Design in Chicago, a centre influenced by the ideals of the Bauhaus. It was here that Ishimoto forged his photographic eye, combining formal rigour with aesthetic sensitivity.
The exhibition features 169 vintage prints that take visitors on a journey through the artist’s early decades between Chicago and Japan. Visitors will discover how Ishimoto, described by American photographer Minor White as ‘visually bilingual’, fused the formal approaches of the New Bauhaus with the nuances of Japanese aesthetics.
According to Ikko Tanaka, a renowned graphic designer, Ishimoto represents an “intellectual and rigorous modernism” that has influenced many artists. His photographs, often compared to the sculptures of Brancusi, show a profound reflection on form, space and light, reflecting both his Japanese roots and his Western upbringing.
In addition to his aesthetic contributions, Ishimoto also pioneered the publication of photography books, with seminal works such as ‘Someday, Somewhere’ (1958), which redefined the genre. These books are also included in the exhibition, demonstrating his desire to push back the boundaries of the photographic medium.
As well as celebrating Ishimoto’s work, the exhibition at LE BAL invites us to reflect on the interactions between culture, identity and artistic expression. It raises questions about the impact of cultural background and life experience on artistic creation, and offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on how art can serve as a bridge between cultures.
