Why Arthur de Villepin believes we can all master the art of living well
The art-loving son of former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin believes people should dedicate more of their time to savouring the special moments in life
Arthur de Villepin comes from an artistic family. His mother is a sculptor and his sister is an artist, while his father is a lover of art who enjoys access to the greatest artists by virtue of once being prime minister of France. De Villepin is often asked whether he will become an artist. However, while he is an avid admirer, he sees his own role as a facilitator rather than a creator.
We should be able to control time in a way, and to give it a direction and a vision we will not regret
De Villepin is the founder and CEO of the Art de Vivre Group in Hong Kong. When he arrived eight years ago, he co-launched his first company, Pont des Arts, combining art and wine. De Villepin also assumed the responsibility of developing YellowKorner, a leading gallery in photographic works, in Greater China. Rising to the leading position at Art de Vivre also meant overseeing Carré d’Artistes, a gallery that collects paintings and sculptures.
De Villepin is struck by the lack of seasons in Hong Kong such as those one enjoys in Europe. “In Hong Kong, we may have seasons like the rainy season, but generally the sun comes up and goes down around the same time throughout the year. When summer comes in France, you have the sun until 10 or 11pm,” he says.