In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and art of Alex Colard, an atypical French artist who has found his creative refuge in Stockholm after a long career in architecture and design in New York City. We were fortunate to visit him at Epicenter, the thriving hub for creative initiatives in the heart of Stockholm, where he is currently showcasing eight of his captivating paintings. Alex’s artistic journey is unlike any other, and what stands out is his genuine warmth and sincerity, which we could strongly feel throughout our conversation. This interview with Alex offers a glimpse into his life, artistic inspirations, and his remarkable charitable initiative, the Charity Art Expo.

Q1-TiA Talent: Alex, your family has a rich artistic background. Could you share how your grandfather’s influence shaped your artistic path?

Alex Colard: Certainly. My grandfather, Lucien Colard, was a sculptor, and he instilled in me a deep appreciation for art and taught me fundamental drawing techniques from a very young age. His influence played a pivotal role in igniting my passion for art and nurturing my creativity.

Q2-TiA Talent: Your journey has taken you from a small town in France to New York City and now Stockholm. How have these diverse places influenced your art and career?

Alex Colard: Each place has left an indelible mark on my artistic development. Growing up in a small French town called Belfort, instilled in me a sense of wonder and resourcefulness. New York City, where I worked for 11 years, exposed me to the vibrant world of art and design. Stockholm has provided me with a unique opportunity to establish myself as an artist, resulting in a beautiful fusion of influences that have shaped my work.

Q3-TiA Talent: You transitioned from interior design and architecture to a full-time artist. Can you describe the moment when you decided to fully embrace the life of an artist?

Alex Colard: The turning point occurred in 2017 during a trip to Brazil. I began painting regularly, and when I relocated to Stockholm following my love, I decided to fully immerse myself in the life of an artist. It has been a journey of self-discovery and unbridled creative expression.

Q4-TiA Talent: Your dedication to charity, particularly for children facing adversity, is well-known. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your charitable efforts?

Alex Colard: My inspiration stems from my own early struggles, particularly the loss of my mother when I was just ten years old. Art served as my refuge during those challenging times, and now I want to give back. I aim to assist children facing similar hardships by providing them with the tools and support needed to pursue their artistic ambitions. Every child should have the opportunity to realize their creative dreams.

Q5-TiA Talent: Your recent exhibition, “Enūma Eliš: the Babylonian myth of creation,” sounds intriguing. Could you delve deeper into the themes and ideas that underpin this series?

Alex Colard: “Enūma Eliš” delves into the concept of life after death, the divine, and the origins of life itself. It reflects on the development of humanity and the solace we find in art. The inspiration for this series was drawn from my experiences and realizations during my travels in different countries, particularly after the passing of my beloved grandmother.

Q6-TiA Talent: Can you tell us about the techniques you employed in this series, and how representative it is of your artistic style?

Alex Colard: I enjoy blending technology and traditional painting techniques in my artwork. Since my childhood, I’ve been fascinated by 3ds Max, and I’ve developed a sophisticated method that incorporates technology and architectural skills into my artistic process. While this series was influenced by prominent artists like Sol Lewitt, Frank Gerry, and Pierre Soulages, I don’t confine myself to a specific style.

Q7-TiA Talent: Pursuing your dream of becoming a full-time artist, you have explored various avenues over the past year. Have you truly found yourself?

Alex Colard: Yes, I firmly believe that my work now authentically represents who I am as an artist. Over the past year, I’ve delved into a meditative practice that has significantly influenced my creative process. Since 2020, I’ve been a part of a meditation group that meets online, where we sit in silence for 20 minutes and then share our experiences, strengths, and hopes for another 40 minutes. This practice has been enlightening as it allows me to listen to others, organize my thoughts, and chart the direction of my art.

I draw inspiration from ancient cultures, temples, and spiritualism, which resonate deeply with me. My connection to these themes is intense, and it’s reflected in both the concepts and techniques I employ. After years of exploration and experimentation, I’ve finally discovered my visual identity, characterized by sobriety, organization, and a contemporary aesthetic.

Currently, I’m working on making my art even more abstract. This approach involves making the entity hovering above the city less obvious while infusing more philosophical elements into the urban planning below. I believe it’s essential to leave room for the viewer to interpret the artwork from their own perspective, feelings, and powers of deduction. Therefore, I’m striving to embrace a more speculative and open-ended result in my work.

Q8-TiA Talent: What message do you aim to convey through your art and charitable work?

Alex Colard: My aim is to spread the message that art can be a refuge, a source of healing, and an inspiration. It’s not solely about creating aesthetically pleasing pieces, but also about making a positive impact on the world. I believe that’s a universal cause worth supporting.

TiA Talent: Thank you, Alex, for your time and the conservation.

Alex Colard’s commitment to self-discovery and artistic evolution is evident in his journey. His art continues to evolve, reflecting his deep connection to spirituality and a commitment to engaging the viewer’s interpretation and emotions. This pursuit of creative authenticity and philosophical depth promises to make his work even more compelling and thought-provoking. 

Beyond his individual art activity, his involvement in charitable art projects makes him not only a talented artist but also a compassionate humanitarian. The upcoming event founded and organised by Alex, Charity Art Expo, featuring the participation of nearly 100 artists, is set to take place at Sergel Hub in Stockholm on December 9th, 2023. It promises to be a blend of creativity and charity, showcasing the transformative power of art in making positive changes in the world.

For more info about his upcoming Charity Art Expo event and buy the ticket, click here.

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TiA Talent is a Paris-based hybrid artist agency specialised in art management and unique art experiences. We promote local and international emerging artists who align with our values and share our agency’s visionary spirit. Together, we shape a world where creativity has no limits and commit to sustainable, ethic, humanist values.