Artistic Career

The childhood of Art

 Born in the early 60s, Xavier Boully grew up in a city in the north of Paris. Very young, he developed a great aptitude and a pronounced taste for drawing, and color which, from the end of his first cycle of secondary studies, enabled him, by competitive examination, to join the school of Applied Arts Auguste Renoir in Paris.
For three years, he received a technical education there, which forged the basis of his future artistic practice: sight drawing, artistic perspective, color theory, letter drawing ... In addition to the disciplines specific to drawing and painting, The course includes training in photography in the graphic arts, which familiarizes him with all the processes of the graphic chain. It was also during this period that he discovered designers and illustrators such as, Frank Frazetta, Boris Vallejo, Richard Corben, Philippe Druillet, Mœbius alias "Gir" and, the world of science fiction and fantasy with Chris Foss and Syd Mead. Companions of this discovery, reading specialized magazines like Cinefex, Starlog, and the release in 1977 of the film "Star Wars", carves a deep and lasting imprint in the imagination of the young artist.

At the end of his studies, he became friends with "Mickael" (who worked with Serge Danot: Le Manège Enchanté), a painter from Dreux, the city where he himself stayed. The latter offered him an artistic collaboration, for the pictorial decoration of several commercial places in the town. For Xavier Boully it is an opportunity to work on new supports, such as glass, canvas, metal ... In addition to this first professional experience, he embarked on personal projects, such as the creation of large models of spaceships and he began his first airbrush research.

Called up for service, he incorporated the 3rd Engineer Regiment, where he perfected his knowledge of photoengraving, while officiating as a model maker. The military obligations ended, back to Dreux, he resumes his collaboration with "Mickael" and his work with the airbrush. He took the opportunity to participate in the Model Show, in Paris where he won third prize in the Science Fiction category.

Maturity

After a period where he held various positions in printing and advertising agencies, his path crossed that of a former fellow student of Applied Arts, Vincent Levan, who, at that time, was a personality already known in the world of airbrushing. It is at his side, by collaborating on various projects, that Xavier Boully enriches his airbrush technique. He is also involved in "AEROTRONIQUE", the aerography school that Vincent Levan directs.

Two years later, he won first prize in the European Model Championship, in the Science Fiction category. This award, which highlights his talents as a color airbrush, allows him to be spotted by the French importing company of the brand "PAASCHE" (famous manufacturer of airbrush). Initially, he agreed to perform for the company "PAASCHE", a few occasional demonstrations on stands, before becoming their official demonstrator in France. During this period, people quickly qualifies him as "Docteur Aero", (airbrush doctor) this notoriety gives him, among other things, the opportunity to provide aerography training, the first in France in food decoration, at Lenôtre in their school in Plaisir.

Emerging digital technologies aroused his interest very early, he embarked on the learning of several 2D and 3D software. He participated in the design of two multimedia CD-Roms and made the digital tool a new medium for his work with the airbrush: Photos preparatory montages, creation of models, making of caches ...

Tired of his incessant movements, which lead him from salon to salon across France, and eager to unleash his creativity, he regained his independence, becoming a colorist painter with a freelance airbrush. From now on, whether Louis Vuitton, the Grévin museum or the Perrotin gallery, it is the world of the arts and luxury which calls upon his technical knowledge (multi-media) and his artistic mastery of aerography. However, alongside this professional activity as a colourist, during the night, he experiments with artistic research, which, gradually, builds up his personal pictorial and sculptural work ...

Xavier BOULLY

Xavier Boully, airbrush painter, sculptor and poet, is no ordinary creator. His works exude freedom, boldness and timeless sensuality. For over forty years, he has passionately crafted art, transforming every idea into a profound exploration of beauty and emotion.  
An innovative artist from the very beginning, Xavier Boully puts his curiosity and imagination at the service of innovation. He knows no limits and travels between different worlds.  
First of all, that of color: having pioneered the use of airbrushes in the art world, and thanks to his experience in the luxury and fashion worlds, his works offer a unique visual experience. In his research, he translates the female nude into digital form, then puts it down on canvas, from a rough sketch to feminine curves, metamorphosing their pigmentations as close to the skin as possible, color after color. 
At the same time, his BIOBONDAGE© concept embodies a duality between freedom and tension, masculine and feminine. Boully's unique and original works play with matter and light, creating compositions where raw strength blends with delicacy. His black-and-white bas-reliefs are visual poems, translating the movement and energy of nature with palpable intensity, even “enclosing” waterfalls. For him, nothing is impossible. 
His mind is an inexhaustible source of creativity, nourished by a deep sensitivity. In the middle of the night, inspiration wakes him up and he puts his visions down on paper. These sketches, raw and immediate, reflect a soul in perpetual effervescence. With his 5,000 never-before-seen drawings, fascinating sculptures and innovative installations, the artist opens the door to a world where everything is possible. His works are an invitation to discovery, contemplation and wonder. 

Ahead of his time, he knows how to feel things and translate them into works of art that touch the heart. Come and meet Xavier Boully, and let yourself be carried away by his unique vision and infectious passion. Every encounter with this artist is a promise of a journey, an adventure where art and life meet in a harmonious and captivating ballet. Discover a creator who tirelessly pushes boundaries to reveal the beauty of the world.