The artist Ben, known for his slogans written in white handwritten letters on a black background, died at the age of 88 in Nice, we learned on Wednesday from Robert Roux, close friend and deputy mayor of Nice, delegate for culture. , confirming information from BFM TV.
The artist, real name Benjamin Vautier, “was discovered lifeless at his home”, said the Nice prosecutor’s office, according to which “the first elements indicate a gunshot wound”.
An investigation “in search of the causes of death is open”, continues the prosecution. A public prosecutor goes to the scene.
The reactions to this disappearance were not long in coming. “The world of culture is losing a legend,” Minister of Culture Rachida Dati wrote on social media.
“A goldsmith of language, Ben leaves behind nearly 12,000 artistic creations,” continues the minister. His humorous, sometimes satirical writings have accompanied and marked generations. We will miss his free spirit terribly but his art will continue to make France shine throughout the world.”
“This wonderful artist who embodies a large part of the culture in Nice has left us,” posted the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi on Instagram. “Yesterday, I learned of the disappearance of Annie, his wife. They are united as they have always been,” explains the councilor.
” I miss him already. We already miss him terribly. The City will pay tribute to him at the height of his genius,” concludes Mr. Estrosi.
Born in Naples in 1935, the Franco-Swiss artist, founder of the School of Nice with Arman, Yves Klein and Martial Raysse, had lived in Nice since the age of 14.
His formulas are drawn in a rounded handwriting, often in white paint on a black background, and seem at first glance to have come from the head of a schoolboy. But they shake up the established certainties of contemporary art: “What is art for? », “Is the new always new? “, ” What are you doing here ? ”, or “My biggest problem is me” (with a spelling mistake)…
Ben was exhibited at MoMA in New York as well as at the Pompidou Center in Paris.