5 Things We Learned... Romain Bernini

Romain Bernini inhabits an unusual and beautiful studio space in a far corner of Paris. Past residents include some famous folks such as Matisse. Current residents enjoy an untamed garden where with a bit of luck, you uncover old sketches and drawing utensils if you wander almost mythical grounds. Romain’s work embodies a bit of this fantasy and mysticism, drawing you into unknown but relatable worlds of self reflection, contemporary figures, and botanical wonderlands. He studied at the Université Paris I Sorbonne, was a resident at the Villa Medici in Rome, and now teaches painting at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Thank you past 5 things guest, Camille Rousseau, for the intro.

Here are 5 Things We Learned about Romain.

What made you...you?

I’m a self-taught painter, I’ve built myself up progressively and learned from each of my paintings and from all the works I’ve seen. I believe in the political power of art and beauty, I believe in crossbreeding and color, I believe in science and shamans.

When are you happiest?

Faced with the sublimity of a work of art, the perfection of a moment with family or friends, or immersed in a landscape.

Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?

It is in the act that we build ourselves, that we determine ourselves, that we are in the world. I prefer to be the one who looks rather than the one who is looked at; I prefer to be the one who does rather than the one who watches. There’s something mystical and romantic about inspiration that doesn’t work for me, something that claims to be sacred, that can’t be debated. I prefer the real to the breath of the muse.

Who do you admire?

More than people, I admire their qualities. The ones that touch me most are kindness, courage, empathy, probity and perseverance. Which is why I admire both great artists like Van Gogh and the old man in the park who takes care of and feeds the birds every day.

What is important?

Love, beauty and peace.

Portrait and all images provided by courtesy Romain Bernini and HdM gallery / Adagp. 

https://romainbernini.com