Henri Depardieu was born in 1947 in Paris, France to a French father and Italian mother. His father was in the printing business and he grew up in Paris while spending his summers in Venice, Italy. At the age of 7, his parents enrolled him into “Ecole des Jesuites De Saint Nicolas d’lgny” for his early education where he stayed til the age of 14. In this prestigious Catholic boarding school, he was exposed to oil paintings, sculptures and various forms of art from a tender age. This marked the beginning of his interest in oil paintings.
At age 16, he enrolled into ENSAAMA Ecole Nationale Superieure Des Arts Appliques et des Metiers d’Art (National State Superior school of Art Applied and crafts Arts), one of the most prestigious Art school in Paris France. He spent four years in this school learning the basics in all forms of art. This includes drawing, painting, sculpture, tapestry, cabinet making, pottery etc. Here, Henri found his calling in the arts and graduated with a 1st class Diploma.
He moved to Taiwan in 2009 where he has resided till today. Despite spending decades pursuing his business ventures and various other passions, his first love for art and oil paintings never ceased. He is only truly happy when he is with his paint brush and canvas. Throughout his life whenever possible, he would paint. Painting allowed him to escape from the stresses of life into a place where he feels completely at peace and one with himself. His paintings are a reflection of his feelings, environment, and a glimpse into his soul marked by each period of his life. His first solo painting exhibition was held in Taipei on 2-31 May 2014 and was very well received by the public.