Exclusive Interview With Former French Prime Minister Dominique Villepin: Where Is The Half Life Of The Army Horse?

Hongkong gallery will soon usher in a new member. The Villepin gallery will be opened in Hollywood Road, central, on March 13, 2020. The owner of this new gallery is the former French Prime Minister Dominique Villepin (Dominique de Villepin) and his son Pan Yade (Arthur de Villepin).

A politician went to Hongkong to talk about art? This seems to be a curious move. But in fact, Dominic is a perennial supporter and famous collector of art. From the beginning of his 15 year diplomat career in 1980, he met a large number of world-renowned artists and collectors in the art circle. In 2005, he was appointed Prime Minister of France by Chirac, then president, for a term of two years. During his term as prime minister, Dominic also envisaged the first French three annual exhibition and attended many exhibitions in Europe and the Middle East.

On the occasion of the unveiling of the new gallery, Dominic accepted an interview with the twenty-first Century economic report reporter, describing the origin of his love for art and publishing his views on running galleries and political careers.

At first, the 66 year old statesman, tall and tall, is quite consistent with the impression of Europeans. When listening to questions, he always has a slight side. The hazel pupil looks down on the ground politely and politely, and can feel its charming French ghosts. Dominique Villepin was born in Morocco in 1953. He settled in South America and America until he went to university to set foot in his homeland. He said that the wanderer's childhood had completely changed me and shaped my personality. He admits that although he is often seen as a European or aristocratic background, he thinks he is more of a southern or emerging world country, but is "learning to be a westerner."

Dominica. Data picture

Twenty-first Century: you have said that art and culture have always been the main driving force in your diplomacy, politics and life. What kind of role does art play in your life?

De Villepin: art itself has a strong questioning of the world, questioning the meaning of life, and providing possibilities for understanding all aspects of life and the world. But there is another important dimension: aesthetics. I believe that there is a close relationship between art and beauty. Even though many times, contemporary art is backward in some aspects, but it is still associated with the pursuit of beauty and harmony. For me, art is a powerful engine that can satisfy my need for beauty.

Twenty-first Century: what are the similarities and differences between managing galleries and governing the country?

De Villepin: of course, these are two totally different things. But I think that when we do these two things, we need to always remember and maintain justice. When governing a country, it is fair and just for everyone to maintain justice, ensuring that everyone gets his share and becomes part of the common business of the state. As a gallery for artists, collectors and the public, to maintain justice, we must be honest with ourselves and share what we believe in. In the mind, we often think of other shortcomings and find ways to make things better.

Twenty-first Century: what do you think of today's gallery industry?

De Villepin: most galleries nowadays are market centric, which is the essence of doing business. However, it must be recognized that the art market is a very specific market. Even though many people now regard art as a commodity, I still think that we should balance the trend of avoiding the art market's financial development. We should try to focus on collectors, help people understand and discover art, and make art a part of life.

Twenty-first Century: will the newly completed Villepin gallery display a popular collection or display your personal aesthetic interest? What is a gallery built by collectors for collectors?

De Villepin: we cannot and should not show artists or works of art that we do not believe in. If you want to share, you must be full of enthusiasm. This is the meaning of "Gallery built by collectors for collectors". Not only is sharing, but we have also formulated a long-term policy that will take time to understand as much as possible the collectors we are going to serve.

Twenty-first Century: Why did the gallery's first exhibition choose Zhao Wuji's work? What do you think of his work?

De Villepin: on the one hand, because Zhao Wuji is a very close friend of mine, on the other hand, he has brought me many inspirations in the way of looking at things and in reconciling the eastern and Western perspectives. He seeks beauty and harmony as the goal of painting, and combines the violence and turbulence of the real world as part of the painting. However, he always tries to tame this "violence" to a new level that can really be understood by people. The characteristics of his works are of great benefit to today's times and audiences.