France shaped me: Anjolie

New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) Well-known artist Anjolie Ela Menon, who recevied the French government's 'Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' award last evening, said France had shaped her and her art.

''The surreal writings of Andre Breton fired my imagination,'' she said after receiving the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters award from French Ambassador Dominique Girard.

The award is conferred on persons who have distinguished themselves by their creativity in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution in influencing the arts in France and throughout the world.

''Muralist, sculptor, painter-- you are a prominent star on the artistic and creative firmament.... I am impressed by the love and affection dispensed by you to our country and culture,'' Mr Girard said in his speech.

''But on the whole, whatever one might read into your works, they belong to the world,'' he added.

With over 45 solo shows in India, America, Russia, Germany, Hong Kong, France and England to her credit, Ms Menon's association with France began in the 1960s when she joined the Ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris on a French government scholarship.

Her work has been acquired by several museums in India and abroad, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Benjamin Gray Museum, Peabody Essex Museum and the Asian Arts Museum in San Francisco.

UNI