Lisa De Boeck, the Director of Studio Boghossian, plays a pivotal role in bringing Jean Boghossian’s artistic vision to life. In her conversations with Alice Zucca, De Boeck provides insights into the complexities of working in a studio that handles an expansive range of techniques and materials, helping to maintain the integrity of the work while fostering an environment of creative freedom.
Navigating the Challenges of a Multifaceted Artistic Process
Working with an artist like Jean Boghossian, whose practice spans from canvas to marble, from fire to wood, brings both excitement and challenges. Jean’s work is defined by a wide range of materials and innovative techniques. The use of fire, for example, is a signature element in his art, which he applies in unpredictable yet controlled ways. This element of chaos, along with his manipulation of textures and forms, creates an ever-evolving studio environment that demands both logistical organization and a deep understanding of his creative intent.
Before joining Jean’s team, De Boeck had always encountered art as a finished product in galleries or museums. However, her experience in the studio gave her a deeper understanding of the art-making process, allowing her to witness the evolution of an idea from its inception to its realization. Her background in figurative art, influenced by artists like Cindy Sherman and David Lynch, also allowed her to approach Jean’s abstract work with a new perspective, finding figurative undertones within the layers of abstraction.
Balancing Structure and Creativity
De Boeck explains that the key to successful studio management is balancing creative freedom with structured planning. Her experience as an artist and in collaboration with her mother, Marilène Coolens, in their project memymom, taught her the importance of organization and vision. As an artist, De Boeck knows that creativity thrives best when it’s supported by a strong logistical foundation, including managing communication, production, and archiving. For example, during the large exhibition Home Game in Brussels, she utilized the opportunity to reorganize the archive, restore works, and update their website, ensuring that everything was in place to support the creative work.
Facilitating the Vision of an Artist
As the Director of Studio Boghossian, De Boeck helps create a supportive environment that allows Jean’s artistic vision to flourish. Her role is less about dictating the creative process and more about providing the necessary structure and solutions to bring his ideas to life. This collaboration also extends to external partners, such as galleries, curators, and writers, who help select and showcase Jean’s work. It’s a balance between staying true to Jean’s vision while adapting to the changing dynamics of the art world.
A key example of this collaboration is the curation of Jean’s solo exhibition Smoke Signals at Nosbaum Reding Gallery in Luxembourg. De Boeck worked closely with Alex Reding, the gallerist, to focus on a specific body of work: Jean’s smoke and pigment canvases. This cohesive approach allowed them to present the artist’s process and vision clearly while maintaining the integrity of his work.
Maintaining the Integrity of Jean’s Work
De Boeck emphasizes the importance of maintaining Jean Boghossian’s artistic integrity in exhibitions, sales, and art loans. Collaborating with renowned galleries and institutions, they work to ensure that the artist’s vision is respected while also considering the perspectives of external collaborators. This careful balance ensures that his works are presented in a way that aligns with his intentions while resonating with contemporary audiences.
In the process of organizing exhibitions and site-specific installations, De Boeck also works closely with Jean to ensure that each space is thoughtfully considered, adapting his work to fit the environment while maintaining its artistic integrity. From installations in luxury hotels to exhibitions in museums, the studio’s attention to detail ensures that every presentation stays true to Jean’s original vision.
The Rewards of Leadership in the Studio
De Boeck’s leadership at Studio Boghossian has been a rewarding experience, especially in building a talented team of professionals who share a passion for creativity. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of trust and allows for innovative ideas to flourish. She also takes great satisfaction in curating and selecting artworks for exhibitions, a process that deepens her connection to Jean’s work and allows her to contribute to the artist’s evolving narrative.
As part of her own artistic practice, De Boeck draws inspiration from the challenges and experiences of working with Jean. The process of shedding illusions and embracing new ways of thinking has transformed her approach to her own work. While her role as a director in the studio is separate from her artistic journey, she finds that the two are deeply connected through a shared understanding of creativity and the process of artistic evolution.
Fostering Personal and Artistic Growth
De Boeck’s personal art practice has evolved over time, influenced by her experiences at Studio Boghossian and her own artistic journey with memymom. She values the simplicity of creative expression and seeks to capture the raw beauty in life’s details. Through her work, she explores the complexities of emotions, relationships, and the contradictions that define human existence. Her approach to art is introspective and organic, relying on intuition and experience rather than formal education.
Her artistic journey is shaped by a commitment to authenticity, as seen in her recent projects. For example, her collaboration with American artist Sean Guerrero on the Fourth Hatch sculpture at Bombay Beach marked a significant shift in her creative focus. This collaboration, which symbolized the intersection of imagination and reality, reflected her growing desire to create with greater personal meaning and artistic freedom.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Looking to the future, De Boeck’s artistic journey continues to evolve. She is focused on creating meaningful work that resonates on a deep level, seeking to capture the essence of life through the details. Her ongoing projects, such as the exhibition The Fourth Hatch and her involvement with various cultural institutions, reflect her commitment to personal and artistic growth. Through her work at Studio Boghossian, she is shaping the legacy of Jean Boghossian while also exploring her own creative potential.
