Sophie-Yen Bretez
Sophie-Yen Bretez is a self-taught emerging artist currently living and working in Paris. Originally from Vietnam, Bretez moved to France at a young age providing her with a rich fusion of cultural heritage often reflected in her multifaceted artistic practice. After completing a master’s Grand École at Neoma Business School in Rouen, France in 2018, Bretez held multiple management positions throughout Paris. In 2021, Bretez decided to pursue her passion for art and began creating full time.
Presenting a thematic fusion of autobiography and narrative identity, Bretez’s oeuvre is marked by her signature dream-like surrealist figuration and skilful depiction of complex emotional states. Focusing on discovering ways in which to mirror the human condition in a state of recovery, Bretez often includes an illuminated horizon line stating, “I paint horizons for those who have suffered.” By portraying her characters in semi-open spaces with a sunset or sunrise in the background, Bretez blurs the boundaries of the confined ‘safe’ space one builds for themselves in moments of weakness. Ultimately, highlighting the ambivalence of existence and the ambiguity of the human condition.
Interested in challenging the traditional male gaze Bretez utilises reverse voyeurism and the evident nudity of her characters to challenge our societal relationship with the naked female body. Unfaltering and strong, the women in Bretez’s paintings look directly out at the spectator, serving to simultaneously create distance and prove they are not at the viewer's disposal rather they assert control of their own bodies.
A natural storyteller Bretez begins each painting with a poem linked to memory. Titling her works after these spontaneous and instinctual poems, Bretez incorporates an additional layer of dialogue between the work, the viewer, and herself. Testifying to the intimate and the universal through substantive narratives, Bretez seeks to perpetuate a wider reflection of political, societal, philosophical, and existential themes.
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« Over there, the shadow of night Is descending over the sea. But within me, There is still the light. - Moon », 2023
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« Rays of sun, dew of the sea Come! Come over my land! My surf-tormented shores Made of grains of golden sand, and thousands of silent roars. », 2023
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« Under the stars of a coming spring, Among the leaves blown by the wind, From the blue night, I will rise, Like the sun does in the skies. In my kingdom by the sea. », 2023
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« In one night they took from me What I have not yet Managed to find again. Left in the open sea, Holding back my tears With a bitter shamelessness. - First times. », 2022
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« Taking care of each other, As the rain flows into, The sea and the spelt. I am nectar and honey, Pistil and flower - To be picked with gentleness. », 2022
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Journeys – 'On Paper'
5 Jun - 13 Jul 2024JD Malat Gallery is thrilled to announce 'Journeys', an online exhibition showcasing nine artists' works on paper. The medium of paper serves as a vital bridge, seamlessly connecting the intangible...Read more -
Here & Now
5 Jun - 20 Jul 2024Here & Now, will bring together both represented artists, and new artistic voices from outside of the gallery's roster. Presenting a convergence of diverse practices and creative visions, Here &...Read more -
Summer Exhibition 2023
10 Aug - 2 Sep 2023JD Malat Gallery is proud to present its Summer Exhibition of 2023 with works by Andy Moses, Ayanfe Olarinde, Andrew Litten, Conrad Jon Godly, Ed Moses, Emily Gillbanks, Erin Holly,...Read more -
Sophie-Yen Bretez: Powerful, Despite It All
8 Jun - 8 Jul 2023In celebration of the gallery's 5th anniversary, JD Malat is thrilled to present Powerful, despite it all, a solo exhibition by French-Vietnamese artist Sophie-Yen Bretez. A champion of emerging female...Read more -
Woman, Empowered
8 Jun - 1 Jul 2022JD Malat Gallery is pleased to present Woman, Empowered our first exhibition featuring an all female selection of artists, from 8 June - 9 July, 2022. The exhibition will display...Read more
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Artsy: The Art We’re Obsessed With in June 2024
Artsy Editorial, Artsy, June 20, 2024 -
Fine Art Shippers: JD MALAT GALLERY OPENS THE VIBRANT CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION “HERE & NOW”
Fine Art Shippers , June 17, 2024 -
300 Magazine: Fluid Identities In The “Here & Now” Exhibition At JD Malat Gallery
Ilya , 300 Magazine , June 17, 2024 -
BBC RADIO LONDON: Gallery director discusses 'Contemporary Figuration: Between Body & Metaphor'
Jumoké Fashola, BBC Radio London, January 7, 2024
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A Refreshing Take on Figurative Painting at JD Malat Gallery
Lee Sharrock, CULTURALEE, December 18, 2023 -
ART PLUGGED: Contemporary Figuration: Between Body & Metaphor
Art Plugged, December 15, 2023 -
FORBES: SOPHIE-YEN BRETEZ IN WOMEN ARTISTS ART WEEK
Joanne Shurvell, June 10, 2023 -
Artistry And Milestones: JD Malat Gallery Commemorates 5th Anniversary With Striking Showcase Of Sophie-Yen Bretez’ Debu
Deborah Gouineau, Business Mondays, June 9, 2023