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What happens when French artistry meets the timeless aesthetics of Japan? Dominique Lutringer’s work flourishes at this intersection, creating a dialogue that transcends borders. Primarily self-taught, Lutringer reached a point in his career where he sought to deepen his artistic foundation. In 2012, he completed a DNA (Diplôme National d’Art) at the École Supérieure d’Art d’Aix-en-Provence, complementing the skills and experience he had developed as an autodidact.

Lutringer developed a vision of radical simplicity, expressed through a pictorial exploration of line, color, and organic motifs. A deliberately limited palette invites the viewer to simply contemplate. His work is exhibited in prominent galleries across Japan and Europe, while he shares his passion through workshops at universities and art schools, further bridging cultural and artistic boundaries.

Embracing Japan: A Journey of Artistic Discovery

What compels an artist to leave everything behind and immerse themselves in a new culture? For Dominique Lutringer, it was a Mishima Yukio novel that first sparked his fascination with Japan. A brief visit in his twenties turned into a lifelong journey of artistic discovery and reinvention. “My artistic career is a story of encounters,” he reflects. “Japan offered me opportunities to grow independently of traditional art circuits.” Early milestones, including a pivotal exhibition and commissions for the Ritz Carlton Osaka, The Westin, and Sheraton, allowed him to dedicate himself fully to painting.

The Fukushima events of 2011 marked a turning point, as economic challenges forced many of his clients — architects, designers, and collectors — to suspend activities or leave Japan. Lutringer adapted, securing representation with Tezukayama Art Gallery for nearly a decade. Today, he collaborates with galleries in Nagoya, Tokyo, and soon Osaka, while maintaining a global presence with exhibitions in France and Singapore. His direct engagement with collectors fosters meaningful relationships that transcend traditional gallery transactions.

An Artistic Evolution

How does an artist reinvent themselves in a new cultural landscape? For Dominique Lutringer, Japan became the catalyst for a profound transformation in his work. Initially inspired by American Abstract Expressionists and Henri Matisse, his early ventures into large, dynamic compositions were shaped by a childhood encounter with Matisse’s work. “That moment of wonder at such beauty shaped my sensitivity and vision as a painter,” he recalls.

Over time, Japan’s aesthetic traditions reshaped his approach. Immersion in tea ceremonies, Noh theater, and traditional architecture led him to adopt a softer palette and simplified forms. “This shift was not towards minimalism but rather a quest for balance,” he explains. His current work embodies subtlety and restraint, with every element harmonizing within the composition.

A pivotal evolution came as Lutringer transitioned from large-scale works to more intimate formats. Inspired by Japanese gardens, temples, and ryokan, his smaller pieces evoke sensations of colors, scents, and shapes — suggested, yet never fully revealed. His affinity for ryokan echoes that of Japanese writer Naoya Shiga, who famously sought the tranquillity of a ryokan in Kinosaki to write his celebrated work At Kinosaki. Like Shiga, Lutringer finds these spaces ideal for reflection and creativity, with their understated beauty permeating his art. “Japan is a country of the ‘unspoken,’ and this nuance permeates my work,” he shares.

Techniques and Materials

What stories can materials tell? For Dominique Lutringer, experimentation is at the heart of his creative process. Using natural pigments, green tea, washi paper, charcoal, and oil sticks, he layers textures onto sturdy surfaces like heavy paper or wood panels. “Each layer remains visible, contributing to a depth that invites closer inspection,” he explains. This method of accumulation and transparency mirrors the complexity of his themes, where every detail adds to the narrative.

The Japanese Art Scene: Challenges and Opportunities

What makes Japan’s art scene both captivating and complex? Divided among urban hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, it offers a unique interplay of tradition and avant-garde. Osaka, with its dynamic informality, stands in contrast to Tokyo, where Lutringer notes a decline in international participation at events like the Tokyo Art Fair. This shift reflects a broader trend of cultural insularity, influenced by economic and societal changes.

Despite these challenges, Lutringer remains hopeful. “Japan’s crises, from the 1990s economic collapse to Fukushima, have forged resilience,” he explains. He sees promise in younger generations who are beginning to challenge traditional norms and push for a more inclusive and creative society. Still, he emphasizes that systemic support will be essential to fully realize this transformation.

Synchronicity and the Artist’s Path

Can meaningful coincidences shape the course of a life? Dominique Lutringer, drawing upon Philippe Guillemant’s theories on synchronicity, views life as a series of pivotal choices shaped by meaningful coincidences. Reflecting on his career, he recalls moments when these synchronicities revealed unexpected opportunities and alternative paths that profoundly influenced his journey.

Looking Ahead

Lutringer’s next chapter is marked by an ambitious plan to establish an artist residency in Japan. “During my residency at the Vermont Studio Center, I met fellow artists from Nepal, South America, the USA, and Australia. We have stayed connected and regularly exchange perspectives. Inviting them to share this space will continue to enrich our collective practice,” he explains.

He adds, “I deeply believe in the exchange of ideas and the richness of encounters that help us grow and progress.” This project represents the culmination of his dual passions for creation and transmission, offering a space where artistic and cultural dialogue can flourish.

Photo : © Dominique Lutringer