Sophie-Yen Bretez: Powerful, Despite It All
In 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 artists, JD Malat is proud to collaborate with WAAW World: Women Artist Art Week in promoting Bretez’s captivating show. On display at the gallery from June 8 to July 8, Powerful, despite it all invites viewers to embark on a kaleidoscopic journey reflecting on themes of memory, pain, and resilience through the lens of universal femininity.
Thought-provoking and relatable Bretez presents a personal narrative on femininity. Inspiring hope and healing through vibrant surrealist compositions she poses questions on self-expression and the social conformities imposed on women. Expressing her own understanding of femininity in the title of her exhibition as “Powerful, despite it all” Bretez, a Vietnam-born French artist, incites an influential dialogue on universal womanhood. Referring to her own identity, history, and resilience Bretez further addresses events inflicted on many women such as violence and sexualization through symbolic and colourful paintings. Resonating with Simone Beauvoir’s notion of ‘the second sex’ in a society where male power is predominant, Bretez thoughtfully composes the portrayal of resistance and strength.
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « I ran to find out What it means to live I fled from rain-soaked lands, To embrace the wet dawn Without understanding that I had to first of all Caress what has been buried for too long. - I exist, despite my past.», 2022
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « 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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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « Should I have seen tenderness, Instead of the blows, And bruises on her face. Another way to love, To learn how to love myself - Being in the grip of his hands. », 2022
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « 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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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « What to do with an existence, Marked with the seal, Of contingency? Open and gaping wound, Much too easy to hide. - To find one's place », 2022 Sold
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « And maybe one day, When the blue of the night, Will drop on the world, I will no longer be like the rain, Nor the word: - Melancholy. », 2023
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « It's not your fault If the roses fade. Ceaselessly enjoy everything: The foam and the rain and every morning. There is only one regret, Not having had enough - time. », 2023
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « I woke up in the gloaming Thinking I was safe from the silent thunderstorm That shatters without warning The innocence of a luminous sky. You didn't wait to take it from me: - My body (and my consent) », 2022 Sold
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « There were rainstorms And exquisite unclouded skies, Those moments at dawn, When I was the first to believe in the sun, Then you left. - But you never really came. », 2022 Sold
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « I saw you again after eight years. But deep in your eyes I could no longer see myself. What could I've done against illness And memories fading away? - Nothing but to accept. », 2023
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « My desire is made of representations Which have never been mine, Those who projected onto my body Their dreams of exoticism And their darkest fantasies. - To desire beyond the male gaze. », 2023
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « One day we will find a home Where the sound of silence, Outweighs the din of tears, Far from the violence of wine And shattered doors, Close by the ocean. - Hope as shelter. », 2023
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Sophie-Yen Bretez, « Swallows of goodbye, Waved by the sad wind of summer, You were not born here. You were taken from the East, And put in the middle of the ocean. - You were meant to be reborn. », 2023
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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 -
ART PLUGGED: SOPHIE-YEN BRETEZ, POWERFUL DESPITE IT ALL
Art Plugged, June 5, 2023