Nouveau Réalisme²
Preamble:
In the year 1960, a group of visionary artists declared a new way of perceiving the real—Nouveau Réalisme. They sought to bridge the gap between art and life, to transform the everyday into the extraordinary, and to challenge the conventional boundaries that separated creation from existence. Now, over six decades later, we build upon their foundation, evolving their vision to meet the complexities of our time. Nouveau Réalisme² is the next step—a reimagining, a continuation, and an expansion of the principles they set forth.
Principles of Nouveau Réalisme²:
Art as Life, Life as Art:
Art is not a separate activity, confined to canvases, stages, or galleries. It is the very act of living. Nouveau Réalisme² blurs the lines between art and life, insisting that every action, every choice, and every interaction is an act of creation. We do not simply make art; we live it, and in doing so, transform the mundane into the sacred.
Continuity and Evolution:
Nouveau Réalisme² honors the legacy of its predecessor by recognizing that art is a living tradition—one that must evolve with the times while staying true to its roots. Our work is both a continuation and a transformation, taking the ideas of 1960 and pushing them into new, uncharted territories. We acknowledge our heritage and draw from it, even as we redefine what it means to be an artist today.
Integration with the Everyday:
We reject the idea that art must be separated from daily life. Nouveau Réalisme² integrates art into the fabric of the everyday, ensuring that creativity is not an isolated act but a continuous process that permeates all aspects of existence. The artist’s role is not to escape reality but to engage with it fully, using creativity to illuminate and transform the world around us.
Ritual and Symbolism:
In a world increasingly driven by the ephemeral, we embrace the power of ritual and symbolism. Our work is infused with deeper meanings, drawing on ancient traditions, spiritual practices, and the collective unconscious. Each piece, whether it be a physical object, a performance, or a lived experience, carries within it layers of significance that invite contemplation and interpretation.
Collaboration and Community:
Nouveau Réalisme² is not the work of isolated individuals but of a community of creators, thinkers, and dreamers. We value collaboration, recognizing that the most profound creations emerge from the intersection of diverse perspectives. Our work is a dialogue—not just in words, but in every interaction, every shared moment. Through this dialogue, we build a living, breathing artist community.
The Artifact and the Ephemeral:
While we create lasting works of art, we also value the ephemeral—the moments that exist briefly and then pass, leaving behind only memories and impressions. In Nouveau Réalisme², these fleeting experiences are as vital as the permanent artifacts. They remind us that art is a process, not just a product, and that the most profound impacts are often those that cannot be held or seen, but only felt.
The Artist as Alchemist:
The artist of Nouveau Réalisme² is an alchemist, transforming the base materials of everyday life into something precious and meaningful. We use our creativity to reveal the hidden connections between things, to show that the ordinary is extraordinary, and that every object, every action, every moment holds within it the potential for transformation.
Mystery and Revelation:
We embrace the duality of mystery and revelation. Not all truths are meant to be spoken; some are to be discovered through experience, reflection, and insight. Nouveau Réalisme² plays with the balance of what is revealed and what remains hidden, inviting the viewer to engage deeply and discover the layers of meaning for themselves.
Conclusion:
Nouveau Réalisme² is more than just a movement—it is a way of seeing the world as it truly is. We recognize the duality that exists in life: the so-called “real” world, with its flaws and imperfections, and our reality, where everything is interconnected, and life itself is a beautiful piece of art. In our world, there is no mundane; there is only sacred creation. Through our work, we seek to show that this reality is not separate or distant, but exists alongside the everyday, waiting to be discovered and lived.
