1 – What led you to graphic design?
Art has always been a part of my life. As a child, I experimented with everything that came my way: traditional painting, drawing, sculpture, and even music. My passion for computers and new technologies naturally led me to graphic design, especially with the evolution of digital media. Fifteen years ago, I took a course in Brussels that opened the doors to digital creation. It was there that I began exploring the potential of this medium, initially printing my projects on canvas before transitioning to plexiglass, which marked a decisive turning point in my artistic career. I also want to highlight an artist from my region who believed in me from the start. He creates sculptures and manages several art galleries. I drew a lot of inspiration from his journey and his advice—first in life, then in art.
2 – Was your encounter with Joey Starr a catalyst?
Absolutely. My first painting that really attracted attention was of Joey Starr. Gradually, it ended up being exhibited at an event dedicated to Joey, at the ARTCUBE gallery in Paris, organized by someone who believed in my work, “The Man in the Shadows,” who still often shares my new creations. Joey Starr shared my work on his social media, which really boosted my visibility. That encounter was a true trigger for me. Following that, my work was highlighted by Soprano, Béatrice Dalle, Vald, Seth Gueko, and others.
3 – How did you react to that meeting?
It was a mix of excitement and gratitude. Seeing my work exhibited and shared by an artist I admire and have been listening to since I was a teenager—listening through my headphones every morning on the way to school—was both gratifying and surreal. It gave me confidence in my art and pushed me to go even further in my creations.
4 – Seth Gueko also chose you for the cover of his project. How did that connection happen?
The connection with Seth Gueko happened naturally. We exchanged messages on Instagram, and I simply sent him my creation. He wanted to make a few modifications. After finalizing a painting that was perfect for both him and me, he proposed using it as the cover for his next track, “Le Marginal.” I was over the moon! I’ve been listening to this artist since “Patate de Forain” in 2015. Back then, I never imagined I would one day collaborate artistically with him. It just goes to show, when people tell you never to give up on your goals and dreams, they’re absolutely right!
5 – Do you think digital art is still undervalued today?
It used to be, especially at the beginning. When I first started exhibiting my printed works over ten years ago, it upset many traditional painters. They saw digital as a threat, especially when I was making sales and they weren’t. But today, mindsets are evolving, and digital art is gaining more and more ground. Can I share a little secret with you? I have this somewhat crazy goal: to potentially create a new movement one day, “Numerism,” which would give digital art the recognition it deserves.
6 – Which artists have shared your work?
Aside from Joey Starr, artists like Béatrice Dalle, VALD, Brav, Stomy Bugsy, Vaï, Lady Gaga, and even comedian Jérémy Ferrari. Additionally, legends like Soprano and Kool Shen have shared or collaborated with me on my works. Each encounter is a new adventure, and I’m honored that such diverse and talented personalities appreciate my work.
7 – In your case, is the Internet an opportunity to be known or the best way to get lost in the crowd?
The Internet is both a blessing and a challenge. It’s thanks to the Internet that my work has reached a much wider audience, but it’s also a saturated space where it can be hard to stand out. You have to use it wisely to capture attention while staying true to your art. I believe my straightforward, honest, and passionate approach to my art reassures the artists I work with.
8 – What is your dream collaboration?
I still have many dream collaborations. Recently, I created the cover for a novel by a still-too-unknown French writer whom I adore and with whom I’ve become friends. I love “Rock” and even “borderline” literature. Some writers are crazy, and I love that! Maybe I’ll create more book covers in the near future. I’d also like to delve even deeper into the world of my subjects to create increasingly intense and authentic works. Otherwise, I’d love to connect with Disiz and Damso! And produce two majestic works! That’s on my list of goals, along with creating giant works as decoration and messages in urban environments, so everyone can see one of my pieces, created in my style, on a different medium and technique than a mural painted on a city wall.
9 – Have you ever had a more political approach in your portraits?
My works are primarily a personal artistic expression, but I don’t shy away from incorporating political dimensions. I think every portrait can have several levels of interpretation, and if some pieces can provoke political reflection, then that’s great. However, it’s not my main focus.
10 – How would you define your style? Is it Pop art?
My style is hard to categorize into one label. You could say there are elements of Pop art. Being fascinated by Andy Warhol, that label is an honor for me, especially in the use of bright colors and famous subjects. But I’d say it’s more of a fusion of several influences, with a personal touch that comes from my total immersion in the universe of each subject. My goal is to create something unique that transcends traditional portraits. I have a sort of “ritual” when I create a portrait of an artist I love. I immerse myself for several weeks in the artist’s world, watching tons of documentaries, concerts, and interviews about them, and of course, listening to their music from morning till night! People have sometimes remarked that my immersion in a personality’s universe is similar to an actor immersing themselves in a character they’ll play in a movie.
