When French artist Vincent Cazeneuve first encountered Chinese lacquerware, he saw more than an ancient craft — he glimpsed a canvas for cross-cultural dialogue. Now, over a decade after establishing his studio in Chongqing, Cazeneuve is redefining this 7,000-year-old tradition by fusing Western minimalism with time-honored Chinese techniques.
From Provence to Chongqing
Originally from southern France, Cazeneuve swapped vineyards for mountainous Chongqing, drawn by lacquerware's organic process of layering tree sap into durable, luminous art. His workshop now serves as a laboratory where Renaissance-inspired color palettes meet traditional diancui (dotting) and carving methods.
Bridging Past and Present
While preserving traditional motifs like chrysanthemums and cloud patterns, Cazeneuve introduces geometric abstraction favored by European collectors. His Celestial Geometry series, featuring hexagonal vessels with fractal designs, recently toured Milan Design Week — a 15% increase in European museum acquisitions followed.
Why It Matters
Young Chinese artists now frequent Cazeneuve's studio, sparking discussions about sustainable material use. 'Lacquer is nature's plastic — biodegradable and timeless,' he notes, aligning with global interest in eco-conscious art. UNESCO reports growing interest in traditional crafts, with lacquerware workshops up 22% in Asia since 2020.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
