Jean-Baptiste Besançon's Abstract Paintings Emphasize Process and Materiality

Born in Bordeaux in 1985, Jean-Baptiste Besançon is an abstract painter who continues to create in his native city. A self-taught artist with a background in design, he engages physically with materials, often working on several canvases at once using brushes, sponges, and spatulas. He layers acrylic paint thickly on unprimed cotton or linen, then manipulates the surface by scraping, smoothing, or thinning to uncover hidden elements. Water is employed to create color shifts and soften edges. His color palette features blacks, Payne grey, Prussian blue, greens, English reds, sienna, and ochre, often inspired by Pierre Soulages. Many pieces are left untitled to prevent narrative constraints. Besançon has showcased his work throughout Europe, including The Blue Hour in Bath (2019) and the Nationale 8 Gallery in Dilbeek. He also boasts a significant following on Instagram, where he shares videos of his artistic process. His work reflects a balance of technical precision and openness to unexpected outcomes, drawing influence from Jackson Pollock and Soulages while maintaining his unique style.