
Discover the contemporary work of Dominique Nugues

Dominique Nugues, born in 1952 in Caen, Normandy, forged his identity in the heart of this city marked by the aftermath of the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. The destruction of Caen and the many lives lost left an indelible mark on his personality and his outlook on reality; Caen is a fundamental element of his artistic identity.
Raised by his paternal grandparents until adolescence, Dominique Nugues found his grandmother to be a key figure in his life. His schooling, initially uneventful and rather good, took a turn in the 8th grade, where he dropped out. However, this difficult period only paved the way for his entry into the world of performance.
In 1969, Dominique Nugues' artistic career began at the Théâtre-École de Caen/Normandie. In 1971, he co-founded the Théâtre des Alephs with Yves Leroy. This artistic and human adventure lasted until 1977, giving rise to around ten shows. The Alephs define themselves as defenders of popular education, a commitment that permeates Dominique Nugues' career.
In 1978, he participated in the creation of Radio-Normandie in Caen, where he distinguished himself with his productions focused on regional history and interviews. This experience gave him the opportunity to meet various personalities and ordinary citizens, all sharing a passion for storytelling. At the request of elected officials in 1982, he created Radio-Bessin in Bayeux, following in the same footsteps as Radio-Normandie. Although this experience ended in 1984, it enriched Dominique Nugues' professional background.
Nugues subsequently collaborated on a number of occasional projects with the world of radio, notably with France Culture, where he participated in the program "Des Papous dans la tete" (Avignon/Paris 1987-1988), and with Radio-France with the Atelier du Grand-Ouest in 1992. His productions, such as "Ballades Normandes en Inde" (1992) and the series on the Allied landings in 1944 (1994), demonstrate his diversity. of interests and his commitment to history.
In 1987, at the request of Jean-Pierre Laurent, Dominique Nugues returned to the theater for the collective creation "Quel petit vélo," adapted from the text by Georges Perec. The show, presented in Caen in 1987, was a resounding success at the Avignon Festival in 1987/88, then at the Théâtre de Paris.
The essence of Dominique Nugues' artistic approach revolves around several fundamental elements, creating a rich and unique universe. His primary inspiration lies in the New Testament, the commentaries and exegeses that complement it. Artistic translations rooted in the Christian tradition form the foundation of his references, lending a spiritual depth to his work.
Spiritual Expressionism:
Dominique Nugues describes his work as spiritual expressionism, an approach that transcends material limitations to give form to a profound inner and spiritual vision.
Avant-Garde Techniques:
At the forefront of contemporary art, Dominique Nugues explores a range of innovative artistic techniques. His creative process integrates computer-assisted graphic design, digital coloring, and digital stamping. Electronic classification and certification underscore his mastery of technological tools, giving his work a striking modernity.
Dissemination and Public Interaction:
With a 53-year artistic career, Dominique Nugues prioritizes the dissemination of his work through direct contact with the public. This approach forges the common thread throughout his career, enabling an authentic connection between the artist and his audience. The closeness with the spectators gives a human dimension to his work, thus reinforcing the emotional impact of his artistic expression.
Conclusion:
Dominique Nugues builds his artistic career on foundations deeply rooted in Christian spirituality, while resolutely embracing contemporary technological advances. His spiritual expressionism and direct engagement with the audience give his work an authenticity and relevance that transcends the boundaries of time.