Bizard
Benoit Izard aka Bizard is an artist who develops site specific and very visual works. Some of his most well know works are "Kissers," two nude persons are sealed in a kissing position by a double head mask. Kissing and hugging continuously for 1 hour. Who are these kissers ? The performers reduce their action to nothing but a love presence. It’s beautiful and fascinating. How much can we take love and where does that leave us?
miamiartzine.com spoke with Bizard about his work.
Where were you born?
The Jura Mountains in France.
Where do you live now?
Lyon, France, and Miami.
What is your artistic medium?
Performance, installation and photographic art.
How did you get started?
As a teen ager, I was painting. Then I studied architecture in Lyon and then I went to the Art Academy in Amsterdam (School for New Dance Development) and then post graduate work at the Fine Art School of Lyon. I first worked as a dancer, mainly with Jerome Bel. My work evolved into visual arts. It has been six years developing the work I'm presenting now.
Who or what are your influences?
It's based on the body experience (dance influence) and perception of space (architecture influence). Artists Jerome Bel, Marina Abramovic, James Turell, but I never really had a master; it's rather multiple enrichments.
What inspires your work?
Love.
How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
I thought of my last performance 'Kissers' while I was watching wildlife in the Everglades, with this question : What can I do (as an artist) when life is already here ? Also, I'm not doing the same love installation here and in France, because the light is different.
How would you describe your work?
A key to open experiences.
What was your "aha" moment where you knew that you had "arrived" as an artist?
I don't know that. I'm happy that the flow is nice with me.
What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
In Africa, some old people asked if the performers — they're bodies were wrapped with sealing tape — were coming from the ground like spirits.
What would you like to achieve as an artist?
I like big scale projects, and to travel; to be supported in that.
Do you have shows upcoming?
Atlanta in February; 1 Hotel & Homes in March. I'm in discussion for a permanent installation in La Jolla, Calif. Kissers performance in Tangier, Morocco, in Spring; Festival Nuits Sonores in Lyon, end of May.
Where is your work available?
Most of my work is site specific and has been done all over the world. Photos are available. I don't have a gallery in Miami, but I have photography in my home and I can show them there and sell them.
Find out more about Bizard at www.bizard.net.
