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The red thread connecting the works of Paul-Yves Poumay, often complex and sometimes difficult to understand at first glance, is disruptive abstraction, which with a universalist inspiration is capable of enveloping users, guiding them into the complex world of the artist—a world made of truth, emotional intensity, contradiction. A world that reflects the current reality, with its excesses, vibrant colors, and inexhaustible richness of meaning. In contrast, the means used by Poumay are endowed with the ability to convey simple yet very profound messages. It's an instinctive, immediate language, devoid of formalisms and pretensions. He freely explores all nuances of color, tinting his paintings with a wide range of pigments, from the brightest tones to others that are distinctly darker and more unsettling. His works aim to express a feeling, an emotion, as powerfully as possible and closely related to the characteristics of a world, the one in which we live, constantly evolving. At the same time, the artist's attraction to the monstrous, the dreamlike, and the undefined, explosive in several works, is evident.Art for Change is the art of the future, art that actively engages in social issues to fight injustices and provoke widespread renewal. The system is largely corrupted, and often this aspect, instead of being denounced, is concealed to let immorality and degeneration flourish freely. But art is a free language and, as such, can afford the luxury of highlighting very complex issues that divide public opinion. Poumay's denunciation of contemporary society is no exception in this regard, and the effects of creeping consumerist frenzy are at the root of the works that make up the first part of the exhibition, a testimony of how capitalism should not be considered as a model to continue to inspire in the years to come. The works in question aim to illustrate the most immoral side of our society, a society that burns forests, profits economically from migrant trafficking, exploits capitalism as a means to bend and kneel the weakest, uses corruption to reach power, practices sexist violence, and incites the ostentation of material goods. The critique of the capitalist system emerges with particular clarity in the work Syndrome de Bezos, in which, at the center of a charred wooden table surrounded by a bright red frame, three gold coins stand out, a symbol of rebirth. If the charred wood is a metaphor for man's destructive action and his obsession with the money god, which often leads only to destruction and desolation, the gold coins represent a flower of rebirth amid this colorless and shapeless abyss. They are a contribution paid by the architects of this destruction who, with the only means they know, attempt to remedy the harm caused to redeem themselves and make hope shine where there is nothing left, what remains of a world burned; burned by man's greed, by his unceasing thirst for power and money. The primitivism evoked by Poumay's works, concerned with Art Brut or raw art, is the artist's response to this crisis of the human being and the entire world. Suddenly, we stop being modern and avant-garde living beings convinced we know the answer to every question, and in the works of the artist-philanthropist, we become prehistoric creatures, devoid of the typical survival techniques of the contemporary era.Overall, the production of Paul-Yves Poumay showcased here demonstrates a total absence of academic artifice in the artistic approach, but rather the use of engaging spontaneity, traceable in the immediate and loose traits of his figurative language. As the artist himself declared, creating for him is life, an irresistible need he cannot give up, and his modus operandi is a sincere testimony to this. The source of inspiration for Poumay is a subtle variable deriving from factors such as the artist's mood, desires, ideas, and his personal interpretation of events and current affairs, as well as images, sounds, smells, sensory perceptions. Poumay, in essence, considers art as the universal medium capable of connecting people both in time and space, making dialogue and introspection possible.

ART FOR CHANGE

L'art, ce lien universel qui unit tous les êtres à travers le temps et l'espace. Homme, plante, grenouille, vent, nuage, terre, lumière, eau, feu... tout possède sa beauté, mais tout est aussi transitoire.Bien que l'art trouve sa place dans nos musées, il s'épanouit également dans nos demeures, nos salons, nos jardins, nos campagnes, nos écoles, et plus largement, partout où la vie foisonne. L'art transcende le privilège humain pour devenir une expression universelle du vivant.L'art ne se réduit pas à une valeur monétaire. Néanmoins, comme tout autre bien, il se retrouve au cœur de spéculations, révélant ainsi notre incapacité collective à apprécier la beauté sans ressentir le besoin de la quantifier ou de l'acquérir. Chercher à acheter la jeunesse éternelle est une métaphore de cette limite cognitive humaine.Dans sa quête d'éternité, l'homme aspire à ancrer ses possessions éphémères dans une immortalité fantasmée.L'art devrait élever l'esprit humain plutôt que de le réduire à un simple instrument financier.Si l'art incarne la beauté, il est également un puissant moyen de critiquer les failles de nos sociétés.Créer "l'œuvre d'art la plus chère du monde" reflète ma démarche artistique qui, par l'absurde, critique le système dominant dans nos sociétés occidentales et leur impact sur le reste du monde. Le bonheur illusoire issu d'une consommation débridée, inacceptable pour la majorité, devient insoutenable face à la misère qui fragilise nos sociétés, proches et lointaines.Pour répondre à des désirs humains fugaces et permettre à une minorité de jouir d'un confort superficiel, nos systèmes acceptent la destruction de ressources précieuses et non renouvelables, l'extinction de certaines espèces et l'accumulation de déchets. Le plus choquant, pour quiconque possède un brin d'empathie et d'intelligence, est que la majorité doit vivre dans les rejets de nos sociétés dites avancées. Si l'ambition ultime est de généraliser ce modèle de "développement", comment gérerons-nous les ressources et les déchets quand il ne restera plus que ces derniers ? Notre civilisation, incapable d'imaginer un avenir viable, se dirige vers un monde sans lendemain. Aucune technologie ne pourra compenser les excès de notre surconsommation et de notre prédation. La société de consommation n'offre pas une solution viable pour une vie terrestre durable.Ce modèle, notre modèle, est à la fois intellectuellement révoltant et non durable.La sculpture de "Don Quichotte" est une œuvre d'art qui aspire à transformer la société. Imaginer une société à travers l'art, plutôt que par la finance, propose une perspective plus noble et moins dégradante pour la majorité des êtres vivants. L'art, en remplacement de la finance, soutient la vie, prolonge la nature et encourage une éducation collaborative et bienveillante.Partager le projet Don Quichotte le plus largement possible et au prix le plus accessible représente un premier pas vers la lutte contre l'exploitation injuste des ressources et l'inégalité des conditions de vie.Devenir copropriétaire de l'œuvre d'art la plus chère du monde est à la portée de tous, pour le prix d'un pain au chocolat à Paris. Ce projet expérimente l'idée de maximiser le bien-être pour le plus grand nombre, en opposition à la finance qui privilégie le bien-être d'une minorité.Pour vaincre son plus grand ennemi et démontrer son inefficacité, l'idéal serait d'utiliser ses propres armes. Ainsi, la finance sera employée contre elle-même. Don Quichotte mobilisera des ressources pour révéler l'incapacité de la finance à préserver et enrichir notre humanité sur le long terme.Pour garantir une transparence totale, au moins 70 % des revenus de Don Quichotte seront alloués à des fonds dédiés principalement à l'éducation et à la préservation de la nature. Que ce soit pour soutenir de petits projets locaux prometteurs ou des ONG et autres institutions, tout acteur positif pourra bénéficier d'un soutien au développement durable et éducatif.Le monde devrait craindre la finance et l'exploitation des ressources autant, sinon plus, qu'il a craint la pandémie de COVID-19, en mettant un terme immédiat à toutes les activités nuisibles.Une nouvelle organisation mondiale doit émerger pour éviter que seuls les proches de personnalités comme Bezos ou Musk ne puissent s'échapper vers des contrées extraterrestres, laissant derrière eux un monde dénué d'humanité, de nature, d'art, de liberté et de plaisir partagé.L'art en général, et la sculpture de Don Quichotte en particulier, grâce à une technologie collaborative et bienveillante, offre une chance de préserver la beauté et la diversité de notre monde pour les générations futures

La vision de Paul Yves (Français)

Art, a universal symbol connecting all living beings across time and space. Man, grass, frog, wind, cloud, soil, light, water, fire... everything is beautiful yet ephemeral.While art finds its place in our museums, it also thrives in our homes, living rooms, gardens, countryside, schools, and broadly, wherever life exists. Art is not a human privilege but a shared characteristic of all living beings.Art is not about money. Yet, like any other asset, it has become subject to various speculations, highlighting humanity's inability to appreciate beauty without the need to value or possess it... paying to try and preserve the youth of one's twenties is another vivid illustration of this human cognitive shortfall.In his blind quest for immortality, man likely wishes to tie his fleeting possessions to some form of imaginary eternity.Art should transcend the human spirit rather than alienate it by turning it into a financial product.If art represents beauty, it also remains a privileged means to denounce the dysfunctions of our societies.Deciding to create "the most expensive artwork in the world" reflects my artistic approach, which absurdly criticizes the system our Western societies are subjected to and impose on the rest of the world. If the unsettling happiness, resulting from a formula of relentless and continuous consumption, is not acceptable for the majority, it is even less tolerable when considering the misery undermining our nearby and distant societies.To satisfy very ephemeral human needs so that a tiny number can enjoy smelling of soap, live in cities without trash, move in cars emitting no CO2... our administrations accept that essential, sustainable, non-renewable resources, mammals, and other cetaceans be annihilated, waste accumulated but most disgracefully, that the majority must live amidst the excrement produced by our so-called advanced societies. If humanity's ultimate intention is to allow all countries to become "developed," how can we imagine managing resources and waste when there will be no resources left but just an unmanageable accumulation of waste? Without imagining that we could live on and within waste, our civilization is creating a futureless world. No technology will be able to offset the deficits generated by overconsumption, overpredation... Consumer society does not represent a humane solution for anyone daring to envision a sustainable earthly life.If this system, our system, is intellectually and utterly intolerable, it is also unsustainable.The sculpture of "Don Quixote" represents an artistic performance; that of art attempting to change society. Imagining a society through art rather than finance offers a probably more virtuous angle and certainly less degrading for the majority of living beings. Art would replace finance, art in support of life, art extending nature, art for collaborative and benevolent education...Sharing the Don Quixote project as widely and affordably as possible symbolizes initial responses to the fight against the unjust exploitation of resources and the disparity of living conditions.Becoming a co-owner of the world's most expensive artwork is accessible for the price of a chocolate croissant in Paris. The project experiments with the idea of maximizing well-being for the greatest number of beings, whereas finance proposes maximizing well-being for a minimum number of beings.To combat its worst enemy and thus prove its powerlessness, the ideal would be to use the enemy's weapons. Finance will thus be used against finance. Don Quixote will find the resources to prove finance's inability to preserve and develop our humanity in the long term.For total clarity, a minimum of 70% of Don Quixote's sales will create financial reserves primarily destined for education and nature preservation. Whether it's supporting promising small local projects or aiding NGOs and other institutions, any positive actor can seek help for educational and sustainable development.The world should fear finance and resource exploitation as quickly and intensely as it feared the COVID-19 pandemic, by immediately stopping all harmful activities.A new global organization must emerge, or only friends of Bezos, Musk, and other billionaires will be able to embark on extraterrestrial flights to find a hypothetical survival possibility, in a space devoid of humanity, nature, art, freedom, and shared pleasure.Art in general, and the sculpture of Don Quixote in particular, shared through collaborative, benevolent technology, can change the fate of our world, our unbearable world.Don Quixote... is also, through education, a fight against racism, populism, the rise of the far-right, particracy... ultimately, utopia or not, it's worth trying

Paul Yves' vision (English)

Art has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as a means of expression, reflection, and communication. The worth of art extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal, encompassing cultural, emotional, and economic value.Art plays a crucial role in preserving and reflecting cultural heritage. Through various forms such as paintings, sculptures, and literature, art provides a window into the history, traditions, and beliefs of different societies. It serves as a record of human experiences and a bridge between generations, fostering a sense of continuity and identity.<figure id="figure-0d2j906n9tls3qpa56"><img id="0d2j906n9tls3qpa56" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1581551867405-84a5e61289f7?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxN3x8Y3VsdHVyYWwlMjBoZXJpdGFnZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDY4MjM1OTl8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="cultural heritage" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1581551867405-84a5e61289f7?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxN3x8Y3VsdHVyYWwlMjBoZXJpdGFnZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDY4MjM1OTl8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure> Furthermore, art has the power to evoke powerful emotions and provoke critical thinking. Whether it's a captivating painting, a moving musical composition, or a thought-provoking film, art has the ability to stir the soul, inspire change, and challenge perceptions. It encourages empathy, introspection, and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.Art also holds significant economic value, contributing to various industries such as tourism, entertainment, and luxury markets. Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions draw visitors from around the world, stimulating local economies and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, the art market itself is a thriving industry, with artworks fetching high prices at auctions and contributing to the global economy.<figure id="figure-td6jprcejfls3qpav8"><img id="td6jprcejfls3qpav8" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1642239817413-692565098d33?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyM3x8ZWNvbm9taWMlMjB2YWx1ZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDY4MjM2MDB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="economic value" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1642239817413-692565098d33?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyM3x8ZWNvbm9taWMlMjB2YWx1ZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDY4MjM2MDB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Beyond its cultural and economic significance, art also plays a pivotal role in education and personal development. Exposure to art enhances creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It encourages individuals to explore diverse perspectives, think outside the box, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for beauty and innovation.Moreover, art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, serving as a universal language that unites people from different backgrounds. It fosters connections, facilitates dialogue, and promotes cross-cultural understanding, contributing to a more harmonious and interconnected world.<figure id="figure-n7fb0w1uy7qls3qpbjz"><img id="n7fb0w1uy7qls3qpbjz" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1517697471339-4aa32003c11a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNXx8QXJ0fGVufDB8fHx8MTcwODk2MDU5OHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="mason jar of paintbrush lot" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1517697471339-4aa32003c11a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNXx8QXJ0fGVufDB8fHx8MTcwODk2MDU5OHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The worth of art cannot be solely measured in monetary terms; its impact extends to the very fabric of human society, influencing our perceptions, emotions, and interactions. As we continue to recognize and celebrate the value of art, we acknowledge its enduring power to enrich our lives and shape our collective experience.In conclusion, art holds immense worth, encompassing cultural, emotional, and economic dimensions. Its ability to preserve heritage, evoke emotions, stimulate economies, and foster personal growth underscores its profound impact on society. As we embrace and support the arts, we contribute to a more vibrant, empathetic, and interconnected world.

Blog

ART FOR CHANGE

La vision de Paul Yves (Français)

Paul Yves' vision (English)

Worth of art