Elan d'Arts : In your artistic work, the world of Sciences seems to be close. Is it just an assumption ? Can you further explain it and unveil the respective places of Art and Science in your works ?

Benoît Lemercier : In 2001, I have created the "Mathematism" : an artistic movement which aims to connect Art and Science, and especially to show the predominance of mathematics in the functioning of the universe.

My wish - or is it an utopia ? - is to try to better understand the world which surrounds us. Science, in particular fundamental research, aims at giving a factual answer to this question. Art can open the field of diversified propositions, towards more poetry and onirism. This is the reason why I base my plastic researches on “avant-gardists” theories, to have my proper understanding and try to show their beauty. A meaningful beauty... But my intention as an artist, and differently from a scientist, is not to communicate a clear message. It is even the opposite !



E.A. : You warmly speak of your strong connection with other famous artists such as François Morellet and Gottfried Honegger. Do these privileged relationships impact your work ?

B.L. : When François Morellet first opened the doors of his studio for me, some twenty years ago, it was a real shock for me. Firstly because I was immediately personally impressed by his work. Secondly, because I discovered a lifestyle. A universe of minimalism and rigour, together with derision and with humour. I felt good!

Gottfried Honegger is an important artist and a friend. We see each other as often as possible. We speak about art, again about art and always about art ! He has a huge experience. Let’s not forget that by the years 50/60, he was close to Mark Rothko, Louise Nevelson, Max Bill or Hans Arp. It is not nothing ! He was one of the first to trust on me and to start collecting my sculptures. We have in mind the idea to make an exhibition together …



E.A. : You work with different media, in particular monumental sculptures, but also prints and multiples. Can you explain for elandarts.com and our readers the place that hold these artforms in your creation ?

B.L. : Almost all of my work is conceptualized thanks to the Information Technological tools. That it is true with monumental sculptures, and also with paintings : the computer is never far away. The “Fine Art” techniques of digital printing is highly efficient today. It thus allows me to transfer onto paper some works which, without these techniques, would have stayed on my screen.

I do not belong to the group of artists who would think that one should use all the techniques available at one’s time. But this does not mean either, that you have to do without them ! My mediums encompasses ceramic (the most ancient form of artistic representation) up to digital printing, including the use of “solid steel”. Every medium plays its role, completing and answering with the others...
Anyhow, this is my objective....


Interviewed on 4th March 2010, in Paris

See his prints and multiples in our Gallery :
Supercordes (Superstrings)
Supercordes Néon (Neon Superstrings)
Hypercube

The works by Benoît Lemercier are presented at the Galerie RX, 6 rue Delcassé, 75008 Paris, www.galerierx.com




                                                                   
                                                                    'Supercordes' 2008 - Acier peint
                                                                    Largeur 4.70 m
                                                                    Collection particulière Châteaubourg