Georges Rousse

About Georges Rousse

Georges Rousse (FR, 1947) currently resides and works in Paris. During his higher education studies to become a doctor, he became interested in photography. He continued learning from a professional in the field of photography and printing. Later, he opened his own studio where he gathered architectural photographs and advertisements. He launched his career in the 1980s, and it continues to this day.

Throughout his career, he has showcased his multiple works in major exhibitions held in internationally recognized venues. His work has been rewarded on numerous occasions. The artist participated in several biennials (Paris, Venice, Sydney). Moreover, he received numerous distinctions, notably the Villa Medici prize twice (1983 – 1987), the International Center of Photography (ICP), and the Grand Prix National de Photographie (1993). More recently, Georges Rousse became an associated member of the Royal Academy of Belgium.

Photographic approach of Georges Rousse

As an artist and plastician, Georges Rousse embarked on photography following the footsteps of great American masters such as Steichen, Stieglitz, or Ansel Adams. It is partly through Land Art that he opted for a unique trajectory in photography. He established an unprecedented correspondence between photography, painting, and architecture. The artist creates "trompe l'oeil" works using optical illusions. By primarily using abandoned spaces, Georges Rousse paints a simple geometric shape (circle, square) on several non-linear surfaces.

These pictorial works are ephemeral and generally do not last long because the space used is either demolished or repurposed. Photography not only allows the immortalization and preservation of the creation but also determines the position of the geometric shape through the camera's placement. Therefore, photography plays a role both in the inception and creation of the work as well as for posterity.

Thus, by the trompe l'oeil effect, positioning itself precisely where the camera is placed, one can perceive the formation of the geometric shape. Through his creations, he alters our perception of space.

Exhibitions

Georges Rousse's work has led to numerous exhibitions, both individual and collective. His work has been exhibited extensively: the dissemination of his projects has taken place worldwide. The artist has exhibited, among others, at the Galerie Springer in Berlin (Germany), Centre Georges Pompidou (Paris), Musée Réattu (Arles), Photographic Art Exhibition (Beijing), and at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo. Recently, he presented an exhibition at Hangar in Brussels, entitled "Rising Circles" (2023).

Art Book Publications by Georges Rousse

Apart from the numerous catalogs from his multiple exhibitions, he  actively contributes to the creation of books documenting his work. He notably published "En Chantier" (Editions Textuel, 2006), "PhotoPoche n°123" (Editions Actes Sud, 2008), "Tour d’un monde" (Editions Actes Sud, 2008 & 2010), "Points de vue" (Editions de l’Eclosoir, 2013), and "4234 Miles" (Editions Actes Sud, 2014). More recently, the book "Rising Circles," encompassing his work on circles, was published by Hangar Editions to coincide with the eponymous exhibition. Many of the previously mentioned works can be found on the e-shop.