Jean-Yves Piffard’s work is inspired by nature.
His art is spontaneous and ephemeral, a poetic way of revealing the emotions contained in the elements. The artist’s intention is not to impose his stamp on nature but to work instinctively with it, so that his creations convey, however briefly, a sense of harmonious contact with the natural world.
At Crédit Agricole Suisse, we see our own reflection in this work of blending authenticity with creativity. This approach fully illustrates the foundations underpinning our business, namely serenity and stability. And naturally, we apply these values to the way in which we relate to our clients.
Because our Bank’s history is firmly rooted in the land, we have a unique and efficient structure that allows us to interpret our surrounding environment and carry out business successfully. That is why we chose Jean-Yves Piffard to illustrate our annual report and website this year.
CAS: Could you tell us something about Land Art?
JYP: Land Art, or art in nature, is a very ancient form: just look at our prehistoric ancestors and their cave paintings. Where contemporary art is concerned, a number of artists in the 1950s, mostly in the US, wanted to break with the conventional codes of gallery art by creating works in the midst of nature.
Land Art has many facets, including installations in nature using industrial materials, large-scale transformation of landscapes, bringing natural elements indoors, and outdoor works, either short-lived or long-lasting.
CAS: How do you work?
JYP: I look for the wilder side of nature, wherever it is, because I like all types of scenery. The place I choose becomes my frame and I find the colours I need right there, in the stones, leaves or shells. I use these to compose my work, which I then photograph with a digital camera.
CAS: What is the main message that you try to convey in your works?
JYP: The artist’s vocation is to make the public react. I personally like to transmit deep messages, mainly about peace and serenity. My photographs allow me to change viewpoints in order to emphasise my concern for the harmony of the elements.
CAS: When you have finished an outdoor work, what happens next?
JYP: I use some of my photographs to give the works a new lease of life by sticking them on canvas and adding natural matter such as ash or terra-cotta.
I exhibit my work individually or collectively in museums, foundations, and galleries in Switzerland, France and Quebec. I also accompany groups on nature outings on the theme of Land Art.