Jean Baptiste Hugo was born in the Languedoc region of the South of France and was raised with his brother and five sisters in the family home at Lunel, near Montpellier. He was influenced by the literary and artistic world he grew up in; his father, Jean Hugo was a painter, theatre designer and author, a member of a Parisian circle of celebrated artists in the inter war period. After studying at Montpellier and Marseille art schools, Jean Baptiste worked in publishing while pursuing a career that combined both photography and painting. His spiritual interests take him to India regularly, where he visits several ashrams and practices yoga. He has studied advanced yogic disciplines with gurus in both Europe and the USA.
The Natures Vives are still life photographs that represent a milestone in Jean Baptiste’s mystical journey, the ingredient images were commissioned as part of a video on vegetarian cooking. He takes his inspiration from the still life paintings of 16th and 17th Century Dutch artists whose purpose was to remind the newly enriched merchants of the transience of life, to inspire them to return to less materialistic, earthy values. Jean Baptiste feels this message is still relevant in today’s world and his photographs reflect the urgent need to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence towards nature, our bodies and the planet.
Hautville House are a selection of images by Jean Baptiste Hugo, taken of the house that belonged to his great-great grandfather, Victor Hugo in Guernsey, the Channel Islands. He remained in exile here for 15 years following Napoleon’s coup d’état. These images were complied in to a book on Hautville House, now a popular attraction for Guernsey visitor and lovers of French history and literature.
The Roger Smith is a family run hotel in Midtown Manhattan. For over 30 years the owners and employees have been committed to shaping and growing a diverse and organic cultural footprint both within the hotel and beyond. With a continued desire to converse and engage with guests, with New York and places further afield, The Roger Smith Hotel’s creative program seeks to create big opportunities, pleasurable experiences, inspiring happenings and intelligent dialogues.
For further information contact Danika Druttman, ddruttman@rogersmith.com or call(212)339-2092