Drawing inspiration through exchange

For the past three months, French artist Roy Kohnke has been pedaling through Beijing's labyrinth of hutong alleyways and various parks on two wheels, turning the ancient capital into both his studio and muse.

With a sketchbook tucked in his backpack and eyes wide open, he has wandered into artist zones, lingered in hushed museum halls, and threaded through crowds at buzzing cultural landmarks, each journey layering fresh inspiration into the artworks he creates.

"It's my first time in China, a country that is so big and different from what I knew. It's very exciting, and there's so much to discover and explore. The capital city gives me endless inspiration," says Kohnke, who is completing an art residency at the Choi Centre Cloud House in Beijing, a cultural center founded by the Jonathan K.S. Choi Foundation.

Based in Paris, Kohnke's practice focuses on sculpture and extends into drawing, text and audio-visual installations. During his residency in Beijing, the 35-year-old has employed laser-cutting technology to engrave and slice paper, producing what he describes as "a mix of sculptures and drawings".

His creative base is the Choi Centre Cloud House, a cultural center on the outskirts of Beijing that blends modern architecture with a classical Chinese garden. There, in his temporary studio, rows of paintings and sketches line the walls, each a direct reflection of the inspiration drawn from his explorations of the city.

"I don't work in the studio all day. I love to build connections, discover new things, and meet people," says the artist.

He recalls spending considerable time securing online tickets to the National Museum of China, where ancient bronze ware and traditional Chinese craftsmanship left a deep impression on him. Particularly struck by the intricate brick carvings in ancient Chinese architecture, he captured several reference photos that now serve as a source of inspiration for his works.

Beyond cultural venues, such as museums and the Forbidden City, he has also developed a keen interest in China's technological and industrial landscape. Eager to explore the manufacturing process behind the materials he uses, the artist plans to visit specialized factories, particularly those producing paper and other raw materials, as well as laser-cutting facilities. For him, understanding the materials' origin and properties is essential to artistic creation.

"Materials play a crucial role in shaping artwork. Even the type of paper I use for a project can transform the form and feel of a piece," Kohnke explains.

Having arrived in Beijing in October, his three-month residency is drawing to a close. Yet, this conclusion is merely a beginning for the artist. "This is just the first step. I prefer to build long-term experiences with the places I visit and work in; it's more interesting than just traveling around."

Kohnke views art as a powerful conduit for communication across cultures, rooted in personal and sensory experiences. "It's about sensations. It's important to work with and express sensations," he adds.

The cross-residency project in which Kohnke is participating is a collaborative initiative between the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and the Choi Centre Cloud House in Beijing. The project originated from French President Emmanuel Macron's 2023 state visit to China, during which he announced the cross-residency project at an important cultural event. Launched last year, the program invites French and Chinese artists to immerse themselves in each other's countries and cultures for creative production.