Benjamin Bonjour (1917–2000)

A Pioneer of Swiss Outsider Art

Born into poverty on October 19, 1917, in Frenières-sur-Bex, Switzerland, Benjamin Bonjour's life was marked by struggle and resilience. Raised in harsh conditions after the passing of his mother in 1953, he, alongside his father, brother, and two sisters, endured economic hardships in Bex. Despite facing physical and mental challenges from a young age, Benjamin carved out a living as a peddler, traversing villages with an assortment of goods.

At 20, Benjamin's life took a challenging turn with convulsions, perhaps indicative of meningitis, leaving him with lifelong disabilities. Undeterred, he continued his peddling, often doubling as a singer for extra income. In the early 1960s, he discovered his passion for drawing, which became his refuge from the world's complexities.

With the loss of his brother in 1968, Benjamin withdrew from peddling, choosing instead a reclusive life devoted to his art and singing. At 60, he retired fully, dedicating himself entirely to drawing and singing, punctuated only by solitary walks and religious observances. Recognition for Benjamin's artistic talent came belatedly, with a small exhibition organized by the town of Bex and the acquisition of some of his works shortly before his death, marking the only official acknowledgment of his artistic legacy during his lifetime.

Benjamin Bonjour's artistic journey commenced at 50, fueled by Russian coloring books that sparked his creativity. His drawings, often featuring recurring motifs like birds, flowers, and military caps, reflected the influences of his early inspirations. Resourceful in his choice of materials, he employed anything from paper scraps to old highway plans as his canvas, preferring markers for their ease of use.

Despite his artistic output and recognition from institutions like the Collection de l'art brut à Lausanne, Benjamin remained indifferent to the acclaim, seeing his art as a personal expression rather than a commodity. Even as his work found its way into exhibitions and publications, he retained a humble detachment, offering his drawings freely to anyone interested.

In a gesture of homage, the municipality of Bex honored Benjamin Bonjour's artistic contribution by naming a minor thoroughfare after him in 2013, a fitting tribute to a man whose art transcended the boundaries of recognition.