Avant L'Audience 1942

"Avant L'Audience" is a print by Paul Jacoulet, an artist who lived from 1896 to 1960. Jacoulet, a Frenchman who spent much of his life in Asia, created vivid portraits that offer insight into the cross-cultural exchanges of the early 20th century. This piece gives us an intimate glimpse into the moments before a performance. We see a performer in elaborate costume attended by what appears to be a stage hand. Jacoulet's work invites us to consider the complexities of cultural representation. His deep engagement with Asian cultures challenges us to reflect on the dynamics of looking, and the responsibilities that come with portraying the lives of others. He once said, "I do not copy, I interpret." "Avant L'Audience" captures the tension between the performer's public role and private self, reflecting the broader interplay between identity, performance, and cultural exchange.