My walks are always sources of discovery. Indeed, a fortnight ago while I was strolling on my Provençal paths, I decided to go for a walk in this wonderful gallery where one is always well received. It was closed but faced with this gigantic work that stood in front of the door, I remained speechless, deeply touched by the strong message it transmitted to me. Fifteen days later I learned from the artist that this colossal statue would have the task of exercising the same power over the people who discovered it, on the shores of the Mediterranean at La Seyne sur Mer.
Arrived in France from his native Benin at the age of 18, Benoit, of French mother and Beninese father, already has the soul of an artist. Having always seen his biologist mother, dissecting frogs, he then thought of a future as a doctor but when he realized that this job would have confronted him with the sight of blood and corpses, he understood then that it was not his path.
His mother Simone, whom he loved very much and who always supported him, then encouraged him in his desire to move towards an artistic career but one day pronounced this sentence which remained imprinted forever in his memory: “it takes about 30 years to an artist to be recognized”.
However, she suggested a university course that could secure his back in case he did not succeed in breaking into this universe.
I remember his beginnings, when I was preparing to leave for Italy, where his production was oriented to the realization of ceramics capable of allowing him to live but which he sold successfully. His talent was already perceived through his unique pieces, inspired by his dual culture and the discoveries of local vestiges, notably at Notre-Dame du Bourg. Certainly, this artisanal production had its limits compared to the immense inspiration that inhabited him because he already saw far, he was overflowing with enthusiasm and always reserved time for sculpting, creating works that would one day make him famous. Indeed, over the years, the production of pottery has gradually given way to the sculptures of the great artist he has become today. His art always reflects his dual culture and personally I have a preference for all his creations which embody his country of birth. 25 years later I found him with joy and what I appreciated the most was to see that he recycles materials of all kinds for his art. An extraordinary journey that does not leave anyone indifferent, that of the memorable Benoit De Souza.
November 17, 2021
Laurence Deschamps
https://www.instagram.com/benoitdesouza/
