Originally hailing from Villejuif, France, and currently residing in Moscow, Patrick Boussignac is a painter whose work spans more than half a century. His masterful pieces have graced exhibitions the world over. More than surreal, Patrick's work is transcendental, it pierces the veil between all worlds, and all realities. Evocative, sensual, iconographic; these are some of the adjectives that come to mind when viewing a Boussignac. You can count actor David Caruso (of CSI:Miami fame) as one of Patrick's many admirers, who earlier this year purchased a portrait of French artist Jeanne Hébuterne.  

There seems to be a lot of symbolism in your artwork, is there some personal philosophy behind it all?

Not really. I realize that many symbols or many legends, were common to many civilizations. I like to make  a crossover between  legends, mythologies, words. [I feel] that I am a privileged witness of the richness of the human condition.

It is apparent to me from your themes, that you are a passionate artist. It is something that seems to be lacking in the art world, these days. Would you agree?

If the will of being always an entertainment (the games are now the rules of our world , everybody is inviting by capitalism to play, because playing is consuming), then yes, there's a lack of passion  for most artists , I think. Nowadays, decoration is  more important than conviction. Not to offend anyone, as I am not for provocation, which is the other side of the coin, because  most of the time those provocations are provocation for  provocation with nothing behind it. I am for an art with a little conscience.

Do you listen to music while you paint? I have read that you once performed in several musical groups, and assume there must be a connection between your art and music. No?

Not at all. I prefer to listen to the human voice when she says interesting words (science, poetry, political analysis, real humor, etc.).  I prefer to sing, and yes,  when I was younger I was making music in different bands. If I was not a painter, I would have been a musician, creating music and songs, not only as an interpreter.

Winston Churchill once said "Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse." Does that quote relate to how you feel about art?

He said too: "I only make landscapes, because trees never complain”. Yes, he was right, the old bulldog. Art History is so rich that it's obvious [we should] return to those  wonderful sources. Most of the art of today is lazy, [artists] prefer to forget the past because it costs to learn, study, and [there’s a lot of] work [required] to reach a certain level.

Would I be correct in assuming that you have an affinity for the 18th Century? Many of the subjects in your work, seem to exist in that era.

No , that would  incorrect. Though my technique could be associated with the 18th, 19th Century, I try to create atmospheres and subjects with a  contemporary view.

When you were younger, what styles did you experiment with, before you settled on your current style?

Oh many! But every time it was a dead end  (Munch, Bernard Buffet, Francis Bacon, David, Ingres, [and] so many others). Let's be honest,  I never really found my own style, I mean a  real strong style! Never! But… I did not want to be prisoner of a too strong style. With my style, as I have said so many times before, I feel more free to go wherever I want.

Learn more about Patrick Boussignac at his website, follow him at his Facebook page.