BANC DES PÊCHEURS EN BORD DE LOIRE

Artiste/Artist : Yannick Robert Date création /Creation time : 2022 Matériaux/Materials : Châteaupanne limestone Description : Like a photographic snapshot of the banks of the Loire, Yannick Robert represents his vision of life on the river. He has sculpted the fundamental elements of fishermen’s life in the Loire: the cut of the boat, the tie and mooring, the buoy, the abstraction of the waves, the edge of the quay, fish in bas-relief in the hold of the ship. This sculpture is also a representation of freedom, evoked by the waves and the land of origin. Introduction to the artist and his approach: Yannick Robert, a sculptor from Boissezon (Tarn), has nurtured his passion for stone since a very early age, when he was sculpting the chalk cliffs in Normandy. Originally from the north of France, he quickly discovered his artistic inclination, adopting an intuitive, contemporary approach that has earned him a solid reputation. His career began in Paris, where he worked as an architectural model maker at ASFODESS. But in 1990, he decided to devote himself entirely to sculpture, specialising in marble work. Today, Yannick Robert is known for his live performances at symposiums, where he creates his works in front of the public, encouraging moments of exchange and sharing with spectators, while collaborating with other artists. For over ten years, Yannick has been developing an artistic approach based on encounters and outdoor creation. This approach goes beyond the simple production of works and embodies a commitment to preserving traditional skills, in opposition to automation and industrial standardisation. At the same time, he plays an active role in organising cultural events to promote and pass on craft techniques. As artistic director of the Réalmont International Sculpture Symposium (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 editions), he works to preserve and develop stone sculpture. In an increasingly technological world, he defends the importance of the human gesture and sensitivity in creation. Yannick Robert’s sculptures can be found in private collections, galleries and public spaces all over the world. Each piece reflects his emotion and artistic sincerity, testifying to a unique vision in which every detail is the fruit of his experience and inspiration. Always in search of innovation, Yannick Robert continues to forge a link between art and craft, emphasising the human dimension of sculpture. In addition to his personal creations, he is involved in performances and collaborative projects, contributing to the evolution of an age-old art while preserving its authenticity.