Bonjour! As the sun blazes in August, Parisians usually leave the city for their summer retreats. Yet, this year stands apart, with the Olympic Games transforming our city into a vibrant place to be this summer. Nevertheless, many of us managed to spend our holidays (far) away from the office and the sporting festivities in Paris. Some went home to visit family and friends, while others took the opportunity to be at sun-soaked beaches or embarked on adventurous escapades.
This summer, we also took the opportunity to engage with the contemporary artists we collaborate with globally, stepping into their studios for an intimate glimpse into their creative processes. We celebrate the rich diversity of our artistic community and are delighted to rekindle these vital connections.
Visiting Singulart Artists
Patrice Bru from Auch, France
Pierre, our Product Manager, met Patrice Bru in Auch, a commune in southwestern France. Pierre was on his way to see his family when he stopped by Patrice’s atelier, where the two had a lively discussion about art, Singulart, and Patrice’s experience. The former sales professional and now retired artist has been painting for 50 years but only began showcasing his work publicly in 2018. He finds it difficult to secure gallery representation locally, as most opportunities are in Paris. However, he accepts smaller exhibitions, which have led to unexpected sales and helped him build a loyal base of collectors. With Singulart, he wants to grow his business to a national, and international level.
Daniel Sarciat from Montserrat, Spain
Meanwhile, Vivien, our Head of Operations, met with Daniel Sarciat in a village just outside Barcelona. She took the one-hour train toward Montserrat, where Daniel picked her up at the station. They had coffee and walked to his atelier. “As soon as I entered the atelier, I understood how this artist must love to work there. It’s cozy yet breezy with curtains fluttering in the heat”, she says.
Daniel, who transitioned from a career as a car designer to follow his father’s artistic footsteps, started his artistic journey with abstract paintings, while his current work is more figurative. He also showed Vivien his photographs, sculptures, and digital sketches, revealing his technical background as a former product designer. “His photography series featuring his son (and subtly discussing the impact of climate change) really resonated with me. The title is ‘Dad, where is my future?’” Daniel’s approach to art is very idealistic: He creates from passion rather than for sales and works with Singulart to find and build a community and inspiration through Singulart. Vivien’s favorite artwork is:
Rémy from Béziers, France and Alberto Ribé from Torino, Italy
Our co-founder, Véra, had the opportunity to connect with Rémy, also known as Sula, who recently relocated to Béziers, France. Rémy began his journey with Balthasart and happily joined our community after the merge with Singulart. He continues to create murals and pochoir art, with an upcoming exhibition.
Véra also met with Alberto Ribé in Torino, Italy, exploring his studio and gaining valuable insights into his artistic journey, research, and the various series he has developed.
Darius Rafaello from Taiwan
Emily, our Paid Acquisition and SEO Manager, met Darius Rafaello at a café in Taipei, where they shared laughter and delved into discussions about art and his journey. After spending 7-8 years studying in Paris and Lyon, Darius then moved to Rome for 2-3 years. Currently, he has been living in Taiwan for nearly a decade. During their conversation, they touched on his artworks, each deeply rooted in environmental themes. Notably, one striking piece features a bomb on one side and a serene scene on the other, reflecting his powerful vision. Furthermore, Darius often draws inspiration from dreams, which he skillfully translates onto canvas.
Brigitte Alias Kardesch from Biarritz, France
Matthieu, our Head of Innovation, visited Brigitte Alias Kardesch in her Biarritz studio, where they enjoyed a lively discussion about art and life over gateau basque and beers. In her mostly abstract work, she continues to inspire and challenge perspectives. She states: “It is impossible for me to confine myself and make a choice to express myself in a single language.”
Emil Kasymov from Kyrgyzstan
Finally, our Content Manager and Head of Community Magdalena, rejoiced in the hospitality of Emil Kasymov, a sculptor and realistic painter from Kyrgyzstan. After her one-week horse tour to experience the nomadic heritage of the country, Emil picked her up for a little road trip around the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Emil took her to discover the abandoned project “Aalam Ordo”, constructed in 2009 as an inter-generational space to foster ideas and ultimately celebrate Kyrgyz culture. Now in ruins, one can still feel the envisioned augustness, supported by national heroes and traditional motives like eagles and hawks.
Inviting Collaboration: Let’s Connect through Singulart
As cliché as it may sound, traveling opens doors to fresh perspectives. It allows us to listen to strangers’ stories. We can appreciate the complexity and beauty of our world. At Singulart, we are fortunate to collaborate with diverse artists globally. Each artist offers unique insights and inspiration. We are committed to supporting their journeys and learning from their experiences.
We eagerly anticipate upcoming works and collaborations from these enriching interactions. We also have exciting previews in store. Explore their creations on Singulart.com and discover more during our future travels. This exchange is reciprocal, and we welcome you to reach out when in Paris. Join us for coffee at our office in Le Marais!
