Juliette Lepage Boisdron’s life and art are inseparable. Born in Paris, her work transcends the boundaries of any single place or tradition. Her journey—both literal and figurative—has taken her across continents, immersing her in a rich blend of cultures. From China to the U.S.S.R., Abu Dhabi to Pondicherry, and New York to Singapore, she has absorbed influences like a sponge, with each locale adding new textures and perspectives to her artistic voice.
Juliette’s academic roots run deep. With a Master’s Degree in History of Art from Sorbonne University, she has an intellectual foundation that informs her creative process. But theory alone doesn’t define her; her life’s varied roles have shaped her just as much. She was an art gallery director in Singapore, an artistic agent in India, and worked on the Fondation Cartier’s website in Paris. These roles bridged the gap between curator and creator, honing her ability to both make and showcase art.
Her global experiences have deeply informed her creative work, and nowhere is this more apparent than in her series, Shields. In this body of work, Juliette explores themes of protection, identity, and resilience. The characters in Shieldswear armor—an artistic decision loaded with meaning. Armor, traditionally associated with soldiers and war, takes on new dimensions here. Her subjects aren’t soldiers, and yet they wear shields and helmets, challenging notions of strength and vulnerability.
The metaphor is layered. On one hand, the armor represents protection—a defense against a world that can be hostile. On the other, it signifies trauma and survival. These shields aren’t just physical barriers; they’re psychological ones, the shells people build to guard themselves after enduring pain or hardship. There’s an emotional weight to this armor. The characters’ faces are often obscured, hidden behind helmets, suggesting a loss of identity or a necessary detachment. In protecting themselves, they risk losing something fundamental.
This interplay between innocence and readiness for battle reflects modern anxieties. In a world where security feels increasingly fragile, the need to fortify ourselves—physically, emotionally, even digitally—is a recurring theme. Juliette’s work resonates with these questions. What does it mean to be strong? When does vulnerability become a liability? And how do we reconcile the need for protection with the desire to remain open and connected?
Juliette’s Shields also touch on gender roles. Armor is a historically masculine symbol, tied to warriors and knights. By reimagining it on characters who don’t fit this mold, Juliette invites viewers to rethink traditional definitions of strength. In doing so, she emphasizes that resilience isn’t bound by gender—it’s universal. The series, while deeply personal, speaks to broader societal shifts, questioning outdated ideas and championing new ways of understanding vulnerability and power.
Her life experiences—living in culturally diverse places and working in various facets of the art world—have uniquely prepared her for this kind of exploration. In India, her work as an artistic agent introduced her to local talents, fostering her appreciation for diverse expressions. Her time in Singapore as a gallery director deepened her understanding of art’s role as both a personal and communal experience. Each of these experiences added another layer to her perspective, enriching her creative output.
Despite her cosmopolitan background, Juliette’s work isn’t simply a patchwork of influences. It’s cohesive, tied together by her clear, thoughtful voice. She isn’t afraid to ask hard questions or tackle heavy themes, but she does so with a touch that feels human and relatable. The characters in Shields may be partially hidden, but their emotional truths shine through. They are us—guarded, vulnerable, and navigating a world that demands both toughness and tenderness.
Her ability to weave these complex ideas into her art reflects the depth of her journey. From the intellectual rigor of the Sorbonne to the streets of Pondicherry, Juliette has lived a life steeped in contrasts. This duality—academic and experiential, global and deeply personal—sets her apart. Her work invites viewers not just to look, but to feel, to question, and to connect.
Juliette Lepage Boisdron’s Shields is more than a series; it’s a conversation. It asks us to reflect on our own armor, the ways we protect ourselves, and the cost of that protection. Through her characters, Juliette reminds us that strength isn’t about the absence of vulnerability—it’s about embracing it. And in a world that often feels more divided than united, her work offers a rare and valuable bridge, connecting the personal to the universal in ways that resonate long after the first glance.
