Herve Dauce works on a painting inspired by Chinese blue and white porcelain. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
French artist Herve Dauce has infused French romanticism into the rich tradition of Chinese blue and white porcelain, showcasing the potential of cross-cultural artistic collaboration.
Dauce now resides in the historic town of Nanxiang in Jiading district, but his lifelong passion for art came from the French School of Visual Arts, where he earned his degree. In 2009, his curiosity about Eastern culture led him to China, and he eventually settled in Shanghai, captivated by Nanxiang's cultural heritage.
"Nanxiang is a thousand-year-old town with a rich cultural atmosphere," said Dauce. "The warmth of its people and its cultural diversity provide endless inspiration for my art."
In his studio, surrounded by books and designs on blue and white porcelain, Dauce blends his French artistic background with traditional Chinese culture. Inspired by the historical significance of Chinese porcelain, he merges it with French design concepts.
His inaugural collection draws from ancient Chinese jade and carving art, elements of which he integrates into his porcelain designs. The result is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.
Currently, Dauce's work is on display at the Guochao Aesthetic Space in Nanxiang. "People are curious about how a foreign artist can create art rooted in Chinese tradition," he said, grateful for the interest in his creative process.
Looking ahead, Dauce plans to explore more of China's cultural treasures, drawing inspiration from Nanxiang's classical gardens, ancient architecture, and traditional crafts. "I aim to showcase the allure of cultural fusion and foster deeper exchanges between France and China," he said.