Interview: Francois Grimoin
Luca Curci talks with Francois Grimoin during MIXING IDENTITIES, third appointment of CANVAS London International Art Fair, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

“Born in 1981 and passionate about photography, I decided to study digital photography only recently. After taking a Master’s Degree in Finance followed by 10 years working with various companies, I took a risk to leave the path behind to follow my passion. In 2020, I graduated with ‘great distinctions’ from the Cours des Métiers d’Arts du Hainaut Photography School. After 5 years lessons – Master in photography. I have a particular interest in urban landscapes, derelict structures and the surreal”.

Luca Curci – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
Francois Grimoin – What’s a good photo… well it’s a photo that doesn’t leave you indifferent. So I focus on two ways: the ‘eye catcher’ on the visual aspect, but also on the ‘sensibility, emotion’ it gives to you.

LC – How much is the editing process important? How’s yours?
FG – The editing process is very important too, for me firstly diasec printing is the best way to give power on the photo, black colors are deeper, best collectors and museums are just using this kind of editing. Secondly, you have the way it’ll be shown to people: a good location gallery in London, for example, and a network gallery with strong followers is the best way to give you an audience.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in society? And contemporary art?
FG – During this Covid period, people are just in lack of happiness and I consider that culture is a way to give them a sense of happiness. According to me, leaving without any culture and art, is just leaving without taste. So an artist can give you another way, another point of view to see the world, and/or just being happy with your eyes, your senses. In contemporary art, you can break the rules more easily because it’s a forward-looking way to think. Making something new, a kind of provocation, is in my mind the definition of contemporary art.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
FG – Actually, I’m working on two themes, endangered species in urban derelict structures like a cheetah in an abandoned shopping center, and a series with people in Asia who are sleeping on their work and are disposed in a way like Pacman / Space Invader cases. Leonardo da Vinci said: “The most difficult it’s to make it simple…”, so I would like to ‘talk about’, ‘making thinking about’ actual situations with a focus on the beauty of the final photo. Obviously, it’s not so easy!

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
FG – In my mind!

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
FG – Yes, I agree. Showing real photos in a gallery and exhibiting them on the net too is the best way to promote artists. Giving one main theme is a way for artists to create on a subject, in this way Mixing Identities make me think about the links and differences of the identities.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?
FG – I consider that wherever you are, origin, religions, sex, it’s not the most important thing, because in the end we just are human; I take a human skull for a common denominator. I add different smiles on the skull just for showing that’s the link between human people, and smiling is in any culture a common way to communicate.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
FG – It is professional, efficient and sympathetic, with prestigious locations to expose. It was a super good choice for me to work with you.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
FG – Of course I would.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
FG – Difficult to do more!