Laurent Sarpédon was introduced to the language of the visual arts at the École des Beaux-Arts du Port in Réunion, where he was born. He then moved to mainland France to undertake vocational training as a stonemason at the Volvic School of Architecture, which specialises in stonework. On his return to Réunion, his work was noticed and received encouragement and recognition from leading Réunionese sculptors such as Alain Séraphine and Henri Maillot. Back on the mainland, in the Creuse region, at the Lycée des Métiers du Bâtiment (LMB) in Felletin, he trained in stonework and architecture as a restorer of historic monuments. His personal research and mastery of techniques have enabled him to develop his own distinctive artistic language.
Whether in residence or in his studio, Laurent Sarpédon continues to develop his artistic approach, which he presents in various exhibitions and shares through workshops with community organisations, in schools and at university.

A sculptor and visual artist, in his new studio in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, he conceives, designs and creates his works using a variety of techniques and materials, primarily steel, stone and bronze. Drawing on his knowledge of these materials, he considers what each can contribute, by its very nature, to the internal structure of a complex whole and to the work as a whole, so that it makes sense. He works to link and articulate them so that one meets the other, assembling them in a structured, balanced and aesthetic manner.
Thus, his work with materials is a sculptural, visual translation of the inner vibrations of human beings in relation to their life context.

Edwige Bénis