Rachid Khimoune

Photo credit High End Weekly™

Q& A

with French artist Rachid Khimoune

HEW: Why Strange Fruit?

RK: After creating the Mask and Totem series, I felt the need to create a bigger piece. Thus I was inspired by Billie Holiday’s song “Strange Fruit”. This song came to life in 1939 New York City. For me, it is invariably related to this city and the sultry singer.

HEW: What fascinates you about African Art?

RK: My work is more primitive art than tribal art. The message behind each piece relates to my life. The pieces are more Art Primal. The selection I’ve chosen are all recycled materials – from trees to pieces of metal. It is similar to Marcel Duchamp’s concept when he worked. The style is contemporary, the techniques are exclusively my own.

HEW: And so the message behind it is?
RK: Emotion. The reference is about life. The symbolic elements I used are water, energy, humanity.

Strange Fruit, iron and bronze, (9 feet), 2012

Photo credit: Benjamin Didier

HEW: What’s the best part about living in Paris?

RK: Whether I’m in Paris, or Beijing, I view myself as an artist of the world. The main idea is to make a continuous connection between my work and the rest of the world. The more people I touch the better. The international language behind what you see is ’emotion’ and the capsule is art.

Rachid Khimoune’s “Gaulois” Totem, 2007, wood, iron and bronze. Right: Grand Masque, 2007,

mixed media on canvas, H: 85″ x W: 47″
Photo credit High End Weekly™

HEW: Conveying emotion through one’s work does make a strong conviction, yes. Your family came to support you at the Friedman & Vallois Gallery in New York during your opening. Tell me, what was the most exciting feeling you shared with your wife, whom I was told is an emblematic figure in the Opera world in France?

RK: My children and close friends did attend the opening, and it was very important for me to have them with me. My “compagne” for over 20 years now was there as well. Ève produces festivals, and is responsible for launching the career of French soprano, Natalie Dessay here in New York. Ève Ruggiéri stresses emotions with the ears, and I with the eyes. We complete/fulfill each other with both of our own realm of creativity.

Rachid Khimoune next to his Strange Fruit Installation

Out & About

Friedman & Vallois hosted a successful art opening this past Thursday evening at their posh gallery location on East 64th Street. For the very first time in New York, an exclusive showing of French artist Rachid Khimoune‘s avant garde pieces were on display. The exhibition opened on November 8th and will run until December 21. Look for my brief interview with the artist tomorrow morning. And for additional images of the party, visit our Facebook page.