Artist Spotlight - Bernard Pineau — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

I was born a Catholic Christian in 1951 in France, in a small town: Royan, located by the sea, at the mouth of the Gironde, 120 km above Bordeaux. Luckily, apart from baptism, my parents did not impose anything on me, I grew up in total freedom. I grew up alone with no family or almost.

Guérir c'est réconcilier, huile sur toile,2023, 92x130

As a child, I remember a strong spiritual appetite that only grew later. As a result, I devoured many readings centered on spirituality, wisdom, religions but also painting. My two passions, spirituality and painting were born and would accompany me all my life. At the same time, I followed higher education in an engineering school.

Comprendre c'est relier, huile sur toile,2023, 92x130

I started painting around the age of 18 and for about 3 years. But professional and material obligations did not allow me to continue. At 58, I decided to devote myself to painting because I could afford it. In 2014, with my first studio in Aigrefeuille, I began an intense professional painting activity. A strong YANG period had become essential and vital. In 2016, I moved to my second studio in Mortagne sur Gironde. A small sheepfold full of charm.

Mépriser c'est mourir, huile sur toile,2023, 92x130

My third studio since 2021 is in Vallières. My paintings are numbered chronologically to remind us that they constitute a journey and a family. Each painting is a journey or a thought, it is named and commented on. I want each painting to be the repository of beneficial energy.

Vivre c'est grandir, huile sur toile,2023, 92x130

Artist Statement

As far as my memory allows, I remember a strong spiritual appetite. A strong spiritual appetite that has only grown since then. As a result, I have devoured many readings centered on spirituality, wisdom, religions but also painting. My two passions, spirituality and painting were born and would accompany me all my life.

Aimer c'est connaître, huile sur toile,2023, 92x130

I made long pilgrimages in India. I stayed in several ashrams. In the absence of being able to meet them, I wanted to see and feel the presence of these great sages about whom I had read and meditated a lot. The last pilgrimage was a challenge because not only did I want to reach the sacred places of the Himalayas (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, etc.) but I wanted to do it as a modest pilgrim, therefore without any preparation or reservation.

Donner c'est recevoir, huile sur toile,2023, 92x130

Hoping to meet sages, hermits, yogis. I was fulfilled and I came back changed because imbued with the sublime energies of the temples, the Saddhus and the songs. Like some Americans and Europeans met there, I could have chosen to stay there.