Who are you?
My name is Virginie Rasmont, a visual and multidisciplinary artist. I primarily work on paper in my studio, using techniques such as collage, watercolor, acrylic, and gold leaf. I also create murals and artistic performances, often to support health-related causes, for prevention, or to raise awareness about health issues.
A pharmacist by training, I worked for eight years at L'Oréal in research and scientific communication before turning to art after a decisive moment in my life. I chose to leave the corporate world to explore entrepreneurship and put creativity at the center of my life because it was something vital for me!
My art addresses two main themes: femininity and the place of women's bodies in society, as well as spiritual subjects, nourished by philosophy. The notion of care is central to my work, with a therapeutic dimension. I started art because art made me feel good; there was a therapeutic dimension. I didn't just want to do myself good, but I also wanted to share it with others. That's why today, I use my art to serve health-related causes, primarily women's health, including breast cancer, eating disorders, and heart conditions, as it is the leading cause of mortality in women, which is largely unrecognized.
Beyond my artistic activity, I practice and have trained in yoga and sound therapy, because physical and mental well-being is essential to my creativity. The desire to learn and diversify my knowledge characterizes my journey.
If you had to choose one of your works, which one would it be? Why?
It's difficult because I love them all! However, I have one that is particularly close to my heart. It's a mural I made in the Marais, last October, as part of Pink October. It's important to me because I had never done such a large mural, 5 by 10 meters. And especially because it is very representative of my work, as it connects art and health, and is part of a care approach. This mural is hyper colorful, when you see it like that, you wouldn't suspect it deals with a serious subject.
For this fresco, I really wanted to send a message of love to these women who have, or will, go through this difficult ordeal. But also to their loved ones, because illness doesn't only concern one person. I also wanted to show this notion of solidarity and, above all, a message of hope because we will succeed in curing breast cancer! Today, we are at research stages where perhaps in 15 years, we will be able to detect it very early and even prevent the development of clinical signs. And that is a great message of hope for everyone!
The fact that it's a street mural is a way to democratize art. I really want to break down this idea of art being only for specialists. I want my art to be accessible to everyone. The street is a wonderful place for that!
A person who inspires you?
In my daily life, I don't have one particular person who inspires me, but rather a category of people: entrepreneurs. They are generally people who inspire me a lot because they embody values that are important to me. First of all, resilience, a driving quality, because entrepreneurship is so difficult that you must never give up, always persevere. Courage too. It takes a lot of courage to start alone and believe in your ideas when, sometimes, people around you don't believe in them. Finally, optimism. That's why entrepreneurs inspire me so much.
Then, in my work, Niki de Saint Phalle, of course. She was a woman who was very ahead of her time, particularly concerning the place of women in society. She was someone who wanted to follow her heart rather than society's dictates. She also had a very difficult childhood, and art was truly a therapeutic element for her. The way she created her works, always colorful, even though the subjects weren't always very joyful. It was truly an art of joy and optimism, and that's exactly what I want to share in my art as well.
Your favorite color in your creations?
Honestly, it varies in phases. However, I have a special connection with blue. It's one of my favorite colors because it calms me a lot. I don't know, there's something special about this color; it's both calm and discreet. And I'm a bit like that in life, I think. I don't know if it's related, but I also have a particular relationship with the element of water.
What do you listen to when you work?
I listen to a lot of podcasts. But for creating, it's complicated because I have to stay connected to what the person is saying. I prefer to listen to classical music or white noise, sounds of waves, a lot of Koshi chimes too. It's a small instrument that produces rather neutral sounds. Sometimes I listen to playlists of French pop or other genres, but that doesn't put me in the same state for producing. When I create, I need to be in an emotionally neutral or melancholic energy. If I'm too joyful, it will be difficult for me to produce anything.
Your upcoming projects?
Currently, I am working on a commission for a luxury hotel. I am very happy since it is the first commission I have done for a hotel. It's quite exciting! It's on large formats, so it allows for different forms of expression.
I'm also working on illustrating an oracle for women entrepreneurs. It has both a business dimension and a personal development, more spiritual, dimension. It's being developed by Talia Cohen-Boulakia, who has a company called The Real Sales Queen, and who helps women with sales. I love the energy and messages she wanted to convey. So I didn't hesitate for a second when she asked me to participate in the project.
Find her creations and more on her website https://www.virginierasmont.com/fr