FEATURED ARTIST: Nicolas Journoud - Paintings of "Stories" at the Crossroads of Cultures
An incredible talent from Lyon, France, has joined ART & DAY. We proudly introduce the rising contemporary artist, Nicolas Journoud.
What he paints on canvas is not merely beautiful landscapes or animals. What unfolds there is a vividly colored "story"—a reconstruction of the "traditions" and "memories" unconsciously inherited by the Japanese people, reimagined through a refined Western sensibility.
In this article, we deeply explore the artistic world of Nicolas Journoud, who possesses both a free spirit and an overwhelming artistic prowess cultivated at a prestigious art school.
A Worldly Sense of Color and Prestigious Technique
Based in Lyon, France, Nicolas Journoud earned a degree in professional drawing—a discipline requiring advanced technical skill—from the prestigious French art school, "École Émile Cohl." The "orthodox drawing skills" rigorously honed at this institution serve as the unwavering foundation for all his creations.
Currently focusing on contemporary figurative painting, he has garnered passionate attention from collectors in his home country, including being selected for an exhibition organized by the major French cultural institution "Cultura."
Furthermore, the "poetic colors" and "rich storytelling" that characterize his work are born from his exceptional imagination and inquisitive mind. His talent for deeply interpreting diverse cultures and Japanese history from his unique perspective, and reconstructing them on canvas, gives birth to a borderless sensibility that cannot be confined to any specific framework.
"To Share and Tell Stories"—Intuition and Deep Respect for Diverse Cultures
Regarding the roots of his creation, Nicolas states the following:
"My creative work is inspired by diverse cultures, rich traditions, and the distant landscapes I have traveled to. Through painting, what I seek above all is to share and tell stories, weaving in the innocent sensibilities and memories of my childhood. Following my intuition with sincerity and an unadorned approach has long been my guiding principle."
Standing before his work, one is struck by a mysterious nostalgia, as if opening an old picture book or touching the myth of a distant land. This is because he projects "sincerity" and "intuition"—the purest of human emotions—directly onto the canvas.
Featured Artworks - The Intersection of Japanese History and Spirituality
The artworks released to coincide with the launch of ART & DAY were born from his own deep research and respect for Japanese culture and history. Here, we introduce three symbolic pieces.
Itamae
With a precise gesture, the master shapes the archipelago as if he were slicing ingredients. Time slows down in this imagined world where nature is defined by human hands. Inspired by the artistry and craftsmanship of Japanese sushi, this highly conceptual piece celebrates a fantastical symbiosis between humankind and nature.
Yoshiwara
Old Tokyo during the Edo period was home to "Yoshiwara," a place where glamour intersected with harsh fates. Nicolas depicts with profound and dramatic strokes the historical depths of the women who lived within this vast network to survive and regain their freedom. He brilliantly elevates deep insights into historical facts into contemporary art.
Instinct
In the shadows of the material, a white tiger, guided by instinct, slowly advances toward its prey. The savage strength of the wild and the serenity enveloped in the colors of the forest. Capturing the moment of a "gentle yet deadly hunt" that exists in the natural world, this piece brings an overwhelming sense of tension and beauty to any space.
Installing "Value Worth Passing Down" into a Space
Every artwork by Nicolas Journoud is a one-of-a-kind "Original Painting."
Whether in an industrial, austere office, a sophisticated hotel lounge, or a personal minimalist living room, the moment his work is hung on the wall, an intellectual story—a "reinterpretation of Japan as seen from France"—is born within that space.
It is not mere decoration, but art that creates a "dialogue" with those who visit. We invite you to enjoy the world of Nicolas Journoud, proudly presented by ART & DAY, in our online gallery.