Bénédicte Gimonnet: A Model For The Next Wave Of Female Artists And Painters

Naeem Ul Hassan

Art has always been a vital component of human civilization, acting as a potent vehicle for the expression of thoughts, feelings, and societal criticism. The phrase “A society is incomplete without its artists” highlights the key role that artists play in our society. In addition to protecting and reflecting a society’s identity, artists also act as social change agents by questioning the status quo. Artists have the power to amplify underrepresented voices. By doing this, they promote equality, justice, harmony, and empathy. In summary, artists who are naturally creative people help to develop new ideas and technology in today’s contemporary and fast changing world, where creativity is the driving force behind progress. In today’s male dominated society, the art world can provide women with a solid income for their artistic endeavors. As an artist, women can pursue a career in fields such as fine art, graphic art, or the world of digital entertainment. These may all assist them in realizing their aspirations, which are common to all women: being financially independent, becoming their own boss, and experiencing a high level of job satisfaction. A few female artists have made a name for themselves globally in today’s highly competitive workplace and have come to be recognized as career role models in the art industry. Among these career role models is Bénédicte Gimonnet, a world-renowned French artist and painter. Bénédicte has lived, worked, and been part of the arts ecosystem in the UAE since 2009. She is a member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society. Her skills include painting, drawing, printmaking, artistic coaching, curating, writing French and English cultural articles, art workshops, and history of art. Her story of realizing her dream of becoming an artist is really motivating. “My name is Bénédicte Gimonnet, and I am an abstract painter. I was born in Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 1969. As a child, I developed a strong interest in creativity, drawing, and painting, as well as anything cultural (music, literature, films, etc.). One might say that my childhood desire was to become an artist. I would have loved to study fine art straight after high school, but my parents were afraid I would have a struggling life as an artist. So I went to business school with a master’s in finance and worked in that area for a few years. It shows that you can be good at more than one thing. When I moved with my family from Paris to London, I decided to take a parental leave but then quickly decided to change my entire career and go back to art school. It was hard and difficult with 3 young children but I loved it and never regretted it. I studied for 2 years part time and then for 4 years full time. After graduation, I started to collaborate with a gallery showing my work in the UK and USA. I have participated in over 40 exhibitions worldwide and have received multiple awards,” said Bénédicte. Every artist has their own unique and individual style. Bénédicte is distinguished for her amazing art pieces, which she creates using unique techniques. Her painting technique involves a kaleidoscope of vivid hues and inventive technique, combining seemingly incompatible painting mediums and crafting rich, multifaceted, and visually fascinating scenes, which sets her apart from other artists. Her outstanding artistic creations and accomplishments distinguish her as a trailblazer in the art world. In the UAE, Bénédicte has held a number of solo exhibitions. These include In Search of Eden at Aisha Alabbar Gallery, Dubai, UAE (2023), Confluence (a joint exhibition with Dr. Najat Makki), La Galerie, Alliance Française, Dubai (2021), Between Macro and Micro, La Galerie, Alliance Française, Dubai (2019), and Infinity Small, Infinity Large, Alliance Française, Abu Dhabi (2009). She also participated in the Emirates Fine Arts Society’s 38th and 39th Annual Exhibitions at the Sharjah Art Museum in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (2023 & 2024). Bénédicte has taken part in many group exhibitions in the UAE and internationally including While the Coffee Grounds Settle, Fathom Gallery in Georgetown, Washington, DC (2022), Disconnect & Reconnect (Part one and two), The Art Circle Award 2021, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2022), London Art Fair, corbettPROJECTS, London, UK (2009), Red Dot New York (with Cynthia Corbett Gallery), New York, USA (2009), Français of the Year 2008 Ceremony, London, UK (2008), Red Dot Miami, (with Cynthia Corbett Gallery), Miami, USA, Slick Paris, Le 104, corbettPROJECTS, Paris, France (2008), AAF New York, The Cynthia Corbett Gallery, New York, USA (2007 – 2009), Light and Colour, Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, UK (2007), and Deutsche Postbank Exhibition, London, UK (2005). In addition to private collections in the UAE, USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, and Europe, Bénédicte’s paintings can be found in many collections across the globe, including Goldman Sachs and the Women’s Museum in Dubai, The Art Circle Collection and Khalidiya Palace in Abu Dhabi, Clerical Medical London, UK, and Champagne PG P&F Epernay, France. Since 2009, Bénédicte has taught painting, drawing, and the history of art in the UAE. Studies show that having role models and mentors of the same gender has a positive effect on women’s career advancement. Women are motivated to pursue their own career goals and given hope when they witness other women attaining success in their careers, particularly in today’s highly competitive work environment. Bénédicte’s career success advice, as an educator who has taught many individuals painting and drawing, may help the next generation of female artists and painters succeed in their professions. “The Art World is tough. So, stay focused, stay determined and never give up on your dreams. I think studies in Art help to understand all the possibilities in this field and get the best education possible. Art history is super important as much as knowing the work of contemporary artists. Working and understanding who we are as artists and what our DNA is. Be true and authentic with ourselves and our creative work. Do not underestimate the importance of networking with other artists, galleries, institutions, and collectors,” advises Bénédicte. Bénédicte’s accomplishments are just too many to mention here. She has received many awards, including the inaugural Art Circle Award and the Fine Art Awards. Bénédicte is deserving of being considered a role model for the next wave of female artists and painters because of her amazing efforts and successes in the art world, particularly her mentoring programs that assist other artists in enhancing their technical skills and increasing their enthusiasm and creativity.