Interview with Simone Monney
Simone, transitioning from a graphic designer in perfumery to a full-time painter post the birth of your daughter marks a significant pivot in your life narrative and creative expression. Can you reflect on the emotional and intellectual journey that accompanied this shift? How do elements of your past career influence your current artistic practices, and how do you reconcile these influences with the spontaneous nature of your art?
My job as a graphic designer in the perfume industry was my first step into creativity in my professional career, although my creative activities began in my early teenage years. Drawing, sewing, and knitting were my hobbies. The birth of my daughter brought me back to my childhood, and this urge to create became a deep desire. Being emotionally free from stress and raising my daughter in a peaceful atmosphere was key for me. At that time, we lived by Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and I had a stunning view of the lake. I began painting lake views in an abstract style using spontaneous strokes with a palette knife. It was just a normal thing for me to start my painting career with spontaneity and some kind of a free spirit mood, which after 20 years is still the case.
first lake view paintings
Music plays a crucial role in guiding the energetic and swift gestures that define your painting style. Could you discuss the process by which certain rhythms or melodies translate into visual forms on your canvas? Are there specific artists or compositions that evoke a stronger visual response in your work, and how do these musical pieces align with the emotions you wish to convey through your art?
I grew up in a family of musicians, so music has always been a daily companion in my life. I have a deep admiration for Hans Zimmer—his film compositions create such emotions, something I strive to bring into my artworks too. When I work on my lyrical abstraction series, I often also listen to classical music , while modern music, especially deep house styles, inspires me during the creation of my pop art series. My art and the music I listen to are deeply connected, influencing each other throughout the creative process.
Piano concert of Chopin
As a self-taught practitioner of lyrical abstraction, you bring a fresh perspective to a well-established art form. How do you navigate the balance between emotion and technique in your creations? What philosophical or artistic doctrines—if any—do you engage with to mold the spontaneous outpourings of paint into coherent expressions of abstract thought?
I developed my lyrical abstraction technique over several years of painting. Inspired by Zao Wou-Ki and Tinguely (a former friend of my father), I gradually evolved my action painting style into music-guided, gesture-based works. I aim to balance my emotions with emptiness and fullness, creating harmony within the space.
Your preference for large canvases opens up a physical space that seems to parallel the expansive nature of your artistic vision. How does working within such vast spaces influence your physical engagement with the canvas, and in what ways do you think it alters the viewer's perception and emotional reaction to your art compared to smaller-scale works?
For me, action painting requires space. Small canvases make me feel restricted. When I paint, I don't rely on intellectual direction; it's a free-flowing, instinctual process—something that feels constrained on a smaller surface. Most of my lyrical abstraction pieces have a white space surrounding them, creating the sense that they are suspended in time and space, without a clear beginning or end.
Your "Metamorphosis" installation not only explores new artistic directions but also incorporates an immersive, multi-sensorial experience. What inspired the integration of perfume and sound with visual elements, and how do you perceive the interaction between these different sensory modalities to influence the audience’s reception and interpretation of your work?
Through my multi-sensory installation, *Metamorphosis*, I aim to evoke an intuitive journey that awakens all 5 senses. Drawing on my professional expertise in perfumery, I’ve integrated fragrances into the project, enhancing the immersive experience. The installation features 5,000 delicately scented butterflies suspended from the ceiling, embodying a lightness of being. To further complete the experience, I create 3D artworks made from silk flowers or butterflies, which can also be fragranced. I chose butterflies for their symbolic resonance. Seen as guides or messengers in various cultures, they represent change and rebirth - a fitting metaphor for the transformative power of this installation.
With exhibitions across diverse cultural hubs like Miami, New York, and Singapore, each locale offers a distinct cultural dialogue with your work. How have these global interactions and exchanges shaped your artistic identity? Can you share how a particular cultural experience or audience reaction at one of these exhibitions has led you to rethink or modify your approach to art?
I am thrilled to have exhibited my work in various locations around the world. These experiences have taught me a great deal, especially about the diverse cultural perspectives in art. I feel a strong connection to the US, as many of my clients are American. It brings me joy to know that my lyrical artworks resonate with an audience there. My Chinese ink paintings are inspired by my travels to Asia, where I explored the profound meaning of Calligraphy and its many rituals. Since then, I have made meditation an essential part of my creative process. It helps me connect with both myself and the Universe before I begin painting.
Your "Free Spirit" series introduces a playful and whimsical dimension to your oeuvre, blending pop art sensibilities with abstract foundations. What challenges do you face in maintaining a balance between levity and seriousness in your art? How does this series reflect your personal beliefs about the role of art in society?
My series called “free spirit” is mostly what I create on commission. I love to bring humour, fun, memories, travel experiences, cinema and cartoons into these paintings. There is no seriousness or deep message in these paintings mostly they are memories behind them. When I create these paintings with my clients we create an intimate connection together.
You describe a profound connection to the Universe when engaging with your art. Could you delve deeper into how this spiritual connectivity influences your creative decisions and artistic output? How does this connection manifest in the choices of colors, textures, and forms in your work?
My profound connection to the Universe is guiding me through daily life. The result is my serene and happy being which I hope is reflected in my artworks. The choice of colors and materials depend on my daily mood. I love strong colors as their impact can be individually either calming or energizing.
As you look to the future, what new artistic challenges are you eager to tackle? Are there specific historical art movements, current global issues, or technological advancements that you are keen to explore or integrate into your work? How do you envision these interests shaping the evolution of your artistic style and thematic concerns?
My artistic journey is a reflection of my inner self, driven by a deep desire to create harmony and well-being. I believe that well-being is an integral part of a broader art of living, which is why my multi-sensory installations embody my vision for the future. These installations are designed to offer a holistic experience, inviting viewers to connect with both my art and the world around us. I truly believe that each of us has a mission in life, and mine is to inspire harmony and love through my creations.
