Totem, Circa 1980

Jean Branchet  

Jean Branchet was born on November 14, 1934 in Lons-le-Saunier (Jura) and currently lives in Nantes. He followed a varied academic path, beginning with scientific and technical secondary studies in Toulouse in 1939, before turning to painting. In 1953, he moved to Paris to pursue studies in law and economics.

Artistic Journey

Jean Branchet discovered contemporary art at the Musée National d'Art Moderne and in the Parisian Salons, notably that of Réalités Nouvelles. He played classical guitar for several years and took life model classes at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. An economist, organizer and financier of multinational companies, he also developed a personal plastic work from the 1970s. His work is part of the constructivist movement, particularly that defined by the MADI International movement.

Commitments and Exhibitions

From 1975 to 2000, Jean Branchet ran the Galerie Convergence in Nantes, a space presenting a wide range of significant artists from the post-World War II period. Involved in corporate IT development, he used his knowledge to create animated digital works on CD-ROM and DVD media.

His works have been exhibited in various places such as the Château de la Groulais in Blain, the Centre Athénor in Guérande, and the Galerie Convergence in Nantes. He has also participated in international events of the MADI group in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and Holland.

Donation

In 2023, Jean Branchet and his wife decided to make an exceptional donation of 46 works of contemporary art from their personal collection to the Musée d'arts de la ville de Nantes, thus contributing to the promotion of contemporary art in the region.