We were lucky to catch up with Bransha Gautier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bransha , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Since I am a multidisciplinary artist, working in diverse fields of painting, design, photography and film I have to work hard and long hours to produce a quality artworks and events, especially since there is always something to be completed. However as an award I get to exhibit my art in museums and on fantastic locations in exotic countries, as well work with some of the most interesting and creative people around the globe. Since last year I enjoyed my time in many countries but Vietnam and China were really fascinating because I had a wonderful opportunity to work at the Architectural University in Hanoi and once in a lifetime experience to paint on the helipad of the highest skyscraper in Hangzhou. Just recently I came back from Mauritius where I took part at the “Wonders of Nature” Art Symposium organised by Carpe Diem NGO. Not only that the exhibition was held at the spectacular Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture but we were so blessed to have Mrs. Angel Angoh and the president of Mauritius, his Excellency Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun to open the inauguration ceremony. Just to be in Mauritius, to paint on the marvellous, sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by lush green landscapes and breathtaking nature felt already like heaven on earth but to spend time with brightest minds of the country such as judges of the Supreme Court and to meet the president of the country was really unbelievable and I felt completely enchanted by the beauty of this tropical paradise and the goodness of its people.
Mauritius has something to captivate everyone’s heart. As Mark Twain said“Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.” But what I found really extraordinary by this mesmerizing island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, is that so many different cultures with their diverse religions and customs are living peacefully all together under the same roof. It’s a true cultural fusion of Indian, African, Chinese, and European traditions so it’s a real eye candy to see all diverse architecture and holy places like Chinese Pagodas, Hindu Temples, Mosque and Churches. With such a rich multicultural heritage, with people living peacefully together, sharing freely and respectfully everything with each other the rest of the world should really learn from Mauritius what does true Unity in Diversity means.
Regarding my artistic events, currently I have a solo photography exhibition “On the Horison” at the Xiaoshan International Talent Art Center in Hangzhou/ China where portraits that I captured around the world but mostly of ethnic tribes are on display. The exhibition is co-organized by the Xiaoshan International Talent Club and the AAmA International Art Centre, with Yang Fei as the producer and Luo Qi as the academic director. Parallel with that I’m also participating at the Xiaoshan Cultural Route Experience and the 10th Asian Humanities & Arts Exhibition among some of the most influential Asian and international artists. Being surrounded and supported by such fascinating people like Professor Luo Qi from China Academy of Art, to whom I am eternally grateful, is what keeps my creativity alive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As mentioned previously, I’m a multidisciplinary artist mostly exploring the themes of heritage, ethnic tribes and preservation of diverse arts and cultures trough photography, painting, animations and film. In my multilayered practice, the reflections move around the threads of time, the memory, the disappearance and the identity. On one side I’m trying to show the beauty and uniqueness of every culture trough rituals, folk, tribal dances and traditional ethnic wear and at the same time the connectedness and profound need for oneness of each and everyone of us.
In my work I try to emphasize the importance of unity in diversity as the key for creating a better future. I had countless exhibitions around the world, and some of my art can be found in numerous private as well permanent collections of Museums worldwide including National Museum of China in Beijing; Dafen Museum in Shenzhen, Museo Qorikancha in Cusco/ Peru; Chosunilbo Museum in Seoul/ Korea; Ontological Museum in Colorado / USA, Kyoto Municipal Museum in Japan and many more. I especially enjoyed holding Academic Seminars and Workshops at Universities and prestigious Art Schools and Institutions in Brazil, Thailand, South Korea, Sudan, India, Vietnam and China.
Maybe people associate mostly my name with short movies I did e.g. “Where is Home?, E.E.C. Vibrance Overload & The Rhythm of the Streets. These and my other experimental movies were shown across the globe at the famous film festivals such as Canadian International Fashion Film Festival in Toronto, Sarajevo Fashion Film Festival in B&H, IMAX – Nairobi/ Kenya, as well Film Academies and Universities such as British Film Institute in London/ UK, Birla Academy of Arts in Kolkata/ India, University Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid/ Spain, Faculty of Cinema in Mexico City etc.
I’m very honoured to receive plenty awards in all artistic fields that I’m working in and that my art, especially photography, appeared on highly acclaimed magazines as well as publishing houses such as NatGeo, Vogue Italy, Taiwan Press, PBS NewsHour, Voyage ATL Magazine and many more
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Well obviously you need to master the fundamentals of your chosen medium, constantly seeking to learn and improve yourself. In addition to my academic education I have also undergone numerous years of diverse trainings and certificate programs while thriving as a professional in the art world.
In my opinion it’s all about passion and dedication in arts. Broadening knowledge base fuels creativity and helps develop a unique voice; however for me most importantly was always being on the right place at the right time. How is this achieved is difficult to answer. It’s actually very paradoxical. Very often when you let go of an idea it comes to you easily. The key is to be relaxed, go with ease, change your mindset knowing that it’s not the end of the world if you don’t achieve your goal and if you do achieve it, it won’t make you happy for the rest of your life. I think our biggest obstacles in life are our imaginary fears of “what will happen if?” Most common is a fear of rejection or negative judgment or similar type of social anxiety. Accepting everything as it is and having courage to move on without any expectations was for me the biggest skill that I had to master, especially since my path was rarely smooth at the beginning and I had to deal with a lot of rejections, moments of self-doubt, and creative roadblocks. However my urge to create was stronger and my love to arts was so deep that I managed to transcend all of it to higher purposes. My passion became with time a constant desire to learn, experiment, and explore new cultures and their spiritual techniques and ideas that helped me to evolve a lot artistically as well personally. Our daily decisions impact the world we live in. Every day we have a choice: we can either continue to hide in the shadows feeling powerless about a rejection or for any other reason, or we can use it as a lesson, continue with our creations by exposing our dreams to the light, ultimately even gaining wisdom from that experience. It’s all about perspective. Your mindset and your worldview has a big impact on how you face the challenges in your life. Believing in oneself is crucial! Even if no one believes in you, you have to believe in yourself! It’s the only way to stay true to your own vision!
My advice to for Creatives would be to embrace challenges and don’t let other people or situations discourage you. You should always ask yourself if you see challenges as unresolvable issues or possibilities to explore? Are you a victim of life or the author of your own destiny? Ultimately art exists to nourish your soul, to help you overcome difficulties so by immersing yourself in your inner strength, in the power of knowledge, by opening yourself to different cultures and their diverse traditions, your artistic journey becomes so much more exciting.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Losing my stepdad, who was like a father for me, was a very painful experience. It made me re-examine what truly matters in my life and force me to re-evaluate who I am and what I want from life but most importantly not to waste time. Even though I always knew that we should embrace all possibilities that we are given at the certain time, watching him die was a very clear and strong reminder to me how time truly precious and irreplaceable is. Every second that passes is a moment you can’t get back. The uncertainty of time makes it even more valuable, as we can’t take it for granted. So since then, things or situations that I would otherwise put off for later because there’s no enough courage or financial, emotional support or for whatever reason you don’t feel ready at that moment, I would do them right away. Time became essential ingredient for everything I do. And funny thing, as soon as I started living more freely pursuing my passions to the fullest, the whole new world opened up for me with new people and possibilities and as long as I’m not blocking my own way, everything is happening smoothly and even better as I could imagine. Death is a harsh but powerful teacher; it imparts profound lessons that can truly reshape our lives. For me acceptance was the key, accepting mortality not just as an ending but as a potential gateway to a deeper understanding of life. I think by living -Memento Mori- allows us to truly benefit from death’s teachings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bransha.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branshagautier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bransha.gautier
Image Credits
Portrait of Professor Luo Qi Mrs. Angel Angoh and the president of Mauritius, his Excellency Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun
