The Smithers Art Gallery has a new exhibit featuring a French artist’s work.
Artist, Jacquin, will be displaying his art, “Connecting Continents,” from now until Aug. 3. The theme represents the similarities between B.C. and the west coast of France.
After visiting B.C. in 2006, Jacquin developed a deep love for Canada and wanted to capture the beauty of the two countries in his work. His work features fishermen, the mountains and ocean, as well as the coast.
Originally a roofer, Jacquin, spends his time between France and Smithers, where his daughter, Anne Desplanches currently lives.
The opening of the exhibit on July 12 was a great success, said Desplanches.
“It was my dad’s first exhibition in Canada and he was nervous, but almost 100 people [attended],” she said.
“My dad was touched by the province and the beauty, despite language [barriers],” Desplanches added.
Desplanches says the coast in B.C. is comparable to France’s coast and Jacquin found this connection through his work.
“The atmosphere is similar and it is inspirational for artists,” Desplanches said.
Jacquin is from Montmartre, Paris, and becoming an artist was not his original trajectory in life.
“He came from a poor family and was born during the Second World War,” she said.
Only after turning 30 did Jacquin take up painting and he hasn’t looked back since.
“He is fortunate to be able to sell his art as a full-time job… I am proud of his journey, and I think it is the most beautiful and resilient story.”
Jacquin hopes people will leave the exhibit viewing the places they are familiar with from a different perspective.
“Through his paintings, people can access another representation of the world and [his art] reveals this complexity and beauty,” Desplanches said.
