Interview
Jehan Legac
Jehan is a visionary artist, both photographer and painter, who harnesses the power of AI to enhance his surrealistic art. His work are a testament to an intimate collaboration between traditional art and emerging technologies, challenging conventions and exploring new possibilities for the future of art. In each painting, there is a conversation between the old and the new, a reflection on how technology can not only transform but also preserve artistic vision over time. The exploration of the female body, eroticism, and beauty not only enriches his work but also creates an enduring bond between humanity and machines, redefining the limits of creativity and aesthetic perception.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey in the art world began with photography. As a young person living in Paris, I was fascinated by the cats that roamed the city's rooftops. I started photographing them, capturing their agile movements and the unique atmosphere of the Parisian rooftops at sunset. These early experiences with photography taught me about composition and light, and also ignited a deep passion for visual art. Over time, my interest began to expand to other media. I felt the need to express more than what a photograph could capture, and that’s when I started experimenting with painting. The transition was natural for me, since both media allowed me to explore and communicate my artistic vision, albeit in different ways. Painting offered me a new way to interpret and reinterpret the images and emotions I had begun to explore through photography.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My obsession with the passage of time and permanence leads me to translate digital creations into the realm of oil painting. In my work, I establish a parallel between the fleeting nature of the female body and its transformation over time, and the permanence and durability of an oil painting. By reinterpreting AI-generated images as physical paintings, I aim to capture and preserve the ephemeral beauty of the human body, merging the transitory nature of life with the eternity of art. This approach not only bridges two seemingly disparate worlds but also questions the nature of creativity and the relationship between humans and machines. My works stand as a testament to an intimate collaboration between traditional art and emerging technologies, challenging conventions and exploring new possibilities for the future of art. In each painting, there is a dialogue between the old and the new, reflecting how technology can both transform and preserve artistic vision over time. By exploring themes of the female body, eroticism, and beauty, I enrich my work and create an enduring connection between humanity and machines, redefining the limits of creativity and aesthetic perception.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“It's a mix of both. I have concepts that come to mind every night, but I leave a lot of room for improvisation. The AI allows me to explore and discover unexpected directions, making each piece a combination of planning and spontaneity. However, when it comes to creating oil paintings, there is a lot of planning and selection involved to ensure the final piece meets my vision.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I am currently totally involved with artificial intelligence trends, and as with my work I continue to consult all the photography and nude books in my library.”
Rising sun, Oil on canvas, 150x150cm
“My obsession with the passage of time and permanence leads me to translate digital creations into the realm of oil painting.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“Today, I am fully immersed in creating images with AI. I work on different concepts that are on my mind every night and spend time adjusting and fine-tuning what I want to express. I use a variety of techniques to create my works with AI. One of the main techniques is utilizing Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), which help generate new images based on my input. I also use neural style transfer to blend different artistic styles and create unique textures. Additionally, I experiment with machine learning models trained on large datasets to produce novel and unexpected results. Throughout the process, I continuously refine and adjust the outputs to align them with my artistic vision.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art is a reflection of my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It represents a journey of exploration and discovery, where I can push the boundaries of creativity and technology. Through my art, I express my vision and communicate ideas that might be difficult to convey through words alone. The collaboration with AI adds a layer of unpredictability and innovation, making each piece a unique fusion of human intuition and machine-generated creativity. Ultimately, my art is a way for me to connect with others and share my perspective on the world.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite artwork is a series titled El Hilo Rojo. In this series, I depict several women guarding a red thread, which is popularly associated with the concept of a happy destiny. However, my interpretation explores a different perspective: the other side of unwaveringly following our fate. Instead of a joyous journey, the series delves into the idea that clinging too tightly to this thread can ultimately lead to emotional and personal fragmentation. This series resonates with me because it challenges the conventional notion of destiny and reflects the complexity of our relationship with it, showing how our determination to adhere to a predetermined path can sometimes result in unforeseen consequences.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have exhibited at the Chaiyos Gallery in Bangkok, Thailand in 2009 as well as at Saba Gallery in Miami, USA in 2007 and at Nave 8 Gallery in Ibiza, Spain in 2012.”
