François-Xavier Richard

A graduate of the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts in Angers, François-Xavier Richard staged several classical and contemporary theatre productions until 1999, when he founded Atelier d’Offard, dedicated to the creation of hand-block-printed wallpapers. He draws on the artisanal techniques of the great manufactories of the 18th and 19th centuries, while bringing a personal perspective to these traditional methods. Beyond preserving a heritage, the aim of this work is to bring together new expectations and the richness of tradition, through a reflection on the role of paper in décor and architecture. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Jean-Michel Othoniel, Robert Stadler, and Benjamin Graindorge, to create works using this material.

Japanese paper (washi), recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is currently undergoing transformations in Japan similar to those experienced by hand-block-printed wallpaper in Europe. It spans a range from craft to industrial production, from writing support to packaging material, and even to architectural element. During his residency at Villa Kujoyama, François-Xavier Richard proposed a project entitled Space in Motion, a series of performances in which he seeks to create a dialogue between the body and space. In this research, he is particularly interested in Japanese mythologies and their influence on the collective imagination.