The 30th anniversary of the Art Collection: Julien des Monstiers, the fusion between tradition and modernity
Created in 1995, the Societe Generale Art Collection now includes nearly 1,800 works by French and international artists. Through this initiative, Societe Generale affirms its support for artistic creation and its commitment to an inclusive and inspiring culture, both in France and internationally.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, we offer you a series of portraits of artists whose works are present in the Collection. This week, we meet Julien des Monstiers.
Julien des Monstiers: a singular technique
Born in 1983 and a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Julien des Monstiers is an emerging figure in contemporary art. Winner of numerous awards, he explores the boundaries of painting by navigating between fine arts and applied arts, offering an innovative perspective on the current artistic landscape
This artist stands out for his unique technique of transfers, created from patterns painted on a large studio table. This singular approach allows him to explore a wide range of themes, from artisanal motifs to abstract elements. He describes his practice as “a filter through which he perceives the world, transforming the everyday into rich and evocative visual narratives.”
"Brand New Old", an artistic dialogue between eras
Acquired in 2016 and exhibited in our Paris premises at 29 Haussmann, the work "Brand New Old" is part of an artistic tradition while bringing a contemporary touch to it.
Olivier Fau, Vice President and Head of Private Sales at Sotheby’s France, explains that “drawing inspiration from the history of painting, the artist incorporates references to masters such as François Boucher and Francisco Goya, while adding modern elements such as nuclear power plants or film characters.”
This fusion of past and present creates a fascinating dialogue between eras, offering a unique perspective on our society.
When art finds its place
Pragmatic by nature, Julien des Monstiers does not find it particularly difficult to part with a painting. What matters more to him is knowing where his creation will reside.
“In a collection like that of Societe Generale, I know that my piece will be kept in the best conditions, that it will be alongside works by artists I admire, and finally, that the Collection will be alive, with pieces regularly exhibited and, in a sense, brought to life. All of this is very precious,” he confides.
More than just a piece of art, Julien des Monstiers' work reflects a subtle approach and an artistic vision shared by Societe Generale.
We invite you to discover the work of Julien des Monstiers and to celebrate with us these 30 years of commitment to art.