the essential
The artist will celebrate his 86th birthday on January 26. An exhibition traces his work at Rohegude Park.
The painter Bernard Rouanet is one of those who leaves a lasting impression on you. The character contrasts resolutely with the common one. He is brilliant, expresses himself in chiseled flashes, masters humor through the science of derision, and leaves you with the irresistible desire to meet him again. He has had several high-level professional lives in large international groups. He played number 9 in rugby and therefore knows how to speak the real language to men. He has been painting since he was twenty. His work is immense and worth a visit. He will celebrate his 86th birthday on January 26.
“I don’t mind if someone says ‘that’s crap!’, well, that’s their opinion!” And Bernard Rouanet continues: “I have always been a wanker… But let go. You can write it”. Mind-blowing. We remain taken aback, between surprise and burst of laughter.
His paintings are an anthology of eloquent titles such as “A hint of virility”, “A season in hell”, “Weird, you said weird”, “Enough of the sentimentality, it has to be bad!”. Some paintings do not have titles. “It will give them some relief,” he said. There is also “White: a real relief”, like a half-scrum counterpoint to Soulages and his “Outre noir”.
-At the age of twenty-three, in 1962, Bernard Rouanet received accolades from the great art critics René Rouquier and Michel Roquebert. His painting was recognized by the greats. It contrasts resolutely with what was happening at the time. But the “path of wisdom” sucked him into a demanding professional career from which he freed himself late in life. “When I was twenty, I could have been a painter. I would have liked to be an artist. But I say that at 86.”
The man is sincere. You can read it on his face. A hint of regret in the voice and look? No, the artist taps in and adds “I’m having fun!”.
