Belgian artist Jean Boghossian unveils major solo exhibition Flames at Anima Gallery

Anima Gallery of Doha has unveiled an extraordinary exhibition titled Flames, marking a significant milestone in the career of Jean Boghossian, a Belgian artist with Lebanese-Armenian heritage. Opening on the 4^th of February 2024, and set against the opulent backdrop of the St Regis Hotel on Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl, this solo exhibition offers an intimate exploration of Boghossian’s artistic evolution. From his origins as a jeweller to becoming a visionary artist, Boghossian’s journey is a compelling narrative of transformation, set to run until the 3^rd of March 2024.

Jean Boghossian’s artistic voyage is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy of jewellery craftsmanship, where the delicate art of moulding precious metals and gems first shaped his creative expression. This exhibition, however, showcases his departure from the tactile world of jewellery towards embracing the ephemeral qualities of fire as a central theme in his art. Flames presents a collection that delves into environmental conservation, the unbridled force of nature, and the harrowing impacts of war in the Middle East, offering a reflection on our tumultuous world.

At the heart of Flames is Boghossian’s innovative use of fire, illustrating its transformative power through various series. The ‘Wave’ series, an inadvertent homage to Hokusai, merges collages, plaster, and paint to capture the dynamic essence of a wave, symbolising nature’s unrestrained power. This theme fluidly transitions into the ‘Volcano’ series, depicting the elemental rage of volcanic eruptions and marrying the motifs of fire with water, earth, and air.

The exhibition also features the ‘Regattas’ series, inspired by the grace of sailboats and initially displayed in Monaco, alongside the ‘Atomium’ piece from the ‘Clash’ series, utilising resin, smoke, and pigment on steel or aluminium to echo the elegance and movement of sails. These pieces showcase the intricate dance between nature and human ingenuity.

Exploring further the motif of transformation, the ‘Flaming Flow’ series captures the vibrant release of energy and ambition, while the ‘Alternance’ piece, a variation of the ‘Pliés Fumées’ series, uses distinct colours to depict the shifting perspectives of creative pursuit.

The exhibition reaches a poignant climax with the ‘Missile’ series, employing a visual technique reminiscent of a photographic negative to outline the shape of a missile. This artistic choice serves as a metaphorical commentary on global conflicts, inviting viewers to ponder the role of technology in warfare and the preservation of human dignity amidst growing tensions.

Jean Boghossian, born in 1949 in Aleppo, embarked on his artistic journey amidst the backdrop of the Lebanese Civil War, which propelled him to relocate to Belgium. Here, his passion for art flourished, leading him to the Academy of Fine Arts in Boitsfort, Brussels. Boghossian’s exploration of fire as a medium began in 1988, symbolising a dynamic interplay between destruction and regeneration. This method has become a hallmark of his style, aligning him with notable artists who have also embraced elemental forces in their work.

The Boghossian Foundation, co-founded by Jean and his family, reflects his commitment to the arts and his cosmopolitan identity. His work, often incorporating a variety of materials and techniques, showcases his adaptability and creativity, making him a prominent figure in contemporary art.

Looking ahead, Jean Boghossian’s artistic narrative continues to unfold with several solo shows slated for 2024, promising to further explore his unique artistic language and the evolving nature of his work. As “Flames” lights up London, it not only celebrates Boghossian’s journey from a jeweller to an artist but also invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature, technology, and the paths we choose in shaping our future.

The editorial unit

Flames opens at at Anima Gallery on 4^th February 2024. For further information visit the artist’s website here.

Forthcoming exhibitions from Jean Boghossian include.

7^th March – 27^th April 2024 – Smoke Signals, Nosbaum Reding Gallery, Luxembourg
17^th March 2024 – Abstract Writings, Abstract Thoughts, Wittockiana, Brussels
15^th April 2024 – 40 site-specific artworks at UBP, Monaco
May/June 2024 – Sotheby’s, Monaco
8^th October – 30^th November 2024 – Seoul, Korea – details to be confirmed