Marc Bauer-Maison (*1961) is an established French artist who is based in Canada, but spends a lot of time in Paris as his artworks are exhibited in various venues.

Bauer-Maison’s practice is based upon an ancient traditional Japanese ink technique called sumi-e - black ink painting (sumi 墨 = black ink,

e 絵 = painting), one of the major techniques of Japanese aesthetics which originated in China during the Sung dynasty (960–1274) and was later taken by Japanese Zen Buddhist monks the 14th century

and practiced predominantly in monasteries. Sumi-e is commonly described as art done in monochrome, with the use of sumi ink painted on handmade rice paper whilst only one brush stroke is allowed for each mark. Sumi-e masters' dominant subject matter is a landscape that is always both subtly realistic and metaphorical at the same time. Human figures and man-made objects are not allowed to be depicted, thus

the main focus is on natural phenomena such as a mountain, a waterfall, a tree, bamboo, or an orchid, among others. Sumi-e artists' obligation is not only to practice the actual craft and acquire the manual skills,

but they also have to refine their character and inner state of mind: “Before learning to paint, you first have to learn to calm down your heart in order to make your understanding clearer [as] your heart and your hand are in perfect harmony”.¹ Marc Bauer-Maison is a true master

of his practice who has won many sumi-e competitions and awards throughout the world. His works are highly appreciated by Ransui Yakata, who is the head of a recognized sumi-e organization in Tokyo.

​