2012-g-caillet-3.jpg Sculpture by Alain Roche

Alain Roche, born on May 6, 1944, is a distinguished contemporary French sculptor. He began his formal art education at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, where he earned the CAFAS in May 1962. In June 1964, he was awarded the Prix de Paris and a diploma in painting. Shortly thereafter, he left the school to reside at Villa Ledion in Paris, where he spent several years.

In 1970, Roche succeeded René Dumas, a founding member of the Nouveaux group, as a drawing teacher. Despite his expertise in both sculpture and painting, Roche has always resisted choosing between the two disciplines. His familiarity with the Carrara quarries led him to create a monumental bust of the Mona Lisa, earning him accolades from the "100 Smiles of the Mona Lisa" exhibition in Japan and the Jocondomania exhibition in Cholet, both in 2001.

A true seeker, Roche is known for his inventive works, such as his series of variations on the Mona Lisa's smile, styled after modern art masters like Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Fernand Léger. His art frequently challenges conventional norms, drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of the School of Paris.

Roche's work often reflects a deep engagement with art history, and he honors his departed friends and mentors, including Georges Popovitch, André Jaoul, and Jean Cardot, through his exhibitions. Among his notable creations is "La Dualité," a polychrome plaster sculpture from 1992 that explores the ambiguity of our universe. Another significant work is the tribute to Dr. Charles Mérieux in Marcy l'Etoile, crafted in sparkling white marble and conceived as a symbolic "Dwelling," reminiscent of Étienne-Martin's style. Alain Roche remains a free spirit, continually exploring and redefining the boundaries of art.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists