In Paris, art breathes in every corner, Raphaëlle Benzimra (1999), paints her narrative on the canvas of the contemporary scene. Born and residing in the heart of the artistic hub, she brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to her creations.

Raphaëlle, a recent graduate from the prestigious Beaux-Arts de Paris, is currently crafting her artistic vision at the Hangar de Montreuil. Her upcoming exhibitions, « Sublime » at Dock B in Pantin from January 11 and the « Exposition des Félicités » at the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Paris from January 23, promise to immerse viewers in a world where tradition meets avant-garde expression.

Her inspirations draw from the rich well of ancient religious texts, finding resonance in the Bible, particularly the Apocalypse, and mystical Christian and Sufi poetry like Farid od-din Attar’s « The Canticle of the Birds. » These texts serve as the foundation for her exploration of timeless themes—glory, religion, violence, and the pursuit of elevation.

Artistically, Raphaëlle’s work is a marriage of diverse influences. The finesse of Asian and European miniatures, the intricate beauty of Byzantine mosaics, the rawness of primitive Flemish painting, and the dynamic energy of English and Thai boxing all find a place in her palette. Cinematically, the gritty underworld portrayed in works like « Gomorrah » and films by Takeshi Kitano adds another layer to her creative expression.

Raphaëlle’s paintings and engravings unfold a visual narrative that delves into the complexity of human aspirations. Illustrating passages from « Paradise Lost » or « The Canticle of the Birds, » she transcends time, illustrating the perennial nature and universal resonance of these timeless themes in contemporary society. The juxtaposition of the sacred and the pugilistic, through the recurrent motif of boxing, creates a dialogue that enriches her canvases.

Her meticulous attention to detail and an exquisite play of colors define her artistic identity. The translucence and brilliance of her paintings, presented on large formats, evoke a sense of awe. Each piece is a mosaic, a patient assembly of paint on canvas, showcasing the intricacy of her craft.

As Raphaëlle Benzimra navigates the intersection of tradition and modernity, her work invites viewers to contemplate the enduring threads that weave through the human experience. In her art, the sacred and the secular converge, and the canvas becomes a tapestry where ancient tales find resonance in contemporary souls.