Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Marily Vaillancourt

“An image is worth a thousand words.”

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I have a background in business administration and marketing, but art has always been my passion. My journey in the art world began when I moved from Montreal to Los Angeles to pursue my career as an artist. My breakthrough came when I collaborated with Art Hearts Fashion and exhibited my first Pop Art Ice Cream Cone series with Six Summit Gallery in NYC. From there, I was selected as the first Artist-in-Residence at the Dream Hotel in Hollywood, where I worked closely with the hotel’s management and marketing team to create an immersive art experience for guests. This experience, along with my collaborations with luxury brands and galleries, shaped my approach to art, allowing me to merge creativity with strategy. Over time, my work evolved from pop art into a mix of abstract, street art, and digital creations, expanding my artistic vision and audience.”

What inspires you?

“I draw inspiration from everyday life, human connections, and the world around me. My artistic journey began with pop art, inspired by Andy Warhol’s bold use of color and repetition, but over time, my work evolved as I explored abstract art, street art, and digital mediums. I’m fascinated by how art can spark conversations and create an impact. Traveling, experiencing different cultures, and collaborating with other creatives continuously fuel my inspiration. I also find motivation in pushing boundaries - experimenting with new techniques, materials, and concepts keeps my work exciting. Ultimately, my goal is to create pieces that resonate with myself, reflecting my personal growth, experiences, and vision.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“In my work, I pursue themes that explore human connections, personal growth, and the complexities of life. I often use bold, vibrant colors and abstract forms to represent different aspects of the human experience. My pieces reflect my ongoing journey of transformation, capturing moments of strength, empowerment, and change. Through my art, I aim to express my own reflections and thoughts, focusing on my personal experiences and emotions. Ultimately, I seek to communicate the importance of embracing change, individuality, and the power of connection.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would describe my work as a dynamic fusion of pop art, abstract expressionism, and digital art. It’s bold, vibrant, and ever-evolving, reflecting both my personal experiences and the world around me. I use color, repetition, and layered textures to convey emotion and create a sense of movement. My pieces often blur the lines between different mediums and styles, resulting in a contemporary aesthetic that feels both familiar and innovative. Through my work, I aim to explore new ways of expressing my ideas, always keeping the focus on personal growth and transformation.”

Which artists influence you most?

“The artists who influence me most are Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Warhol’s use of repetition and bold color in pop art really spoke to me when I first started my artistic journey. His ability to transform everyday objects into iconic pieces was revolutionary and made me want to experiment with similar concepts while adding my own signature. Basquiat’s raw, abstract approach to art, along with his deep exploration of identity and culture, has had a lasting impact on my work. I admire his fearless expression and the way he communicated powerful messages through chaos and abstraction. These artists have greatly influenced my creative process and the direction of my work.”

“I would describe my work as a dynamic fusion of pop art, abstract expressionism, and digital art. It’s bold, vibrant, and ever-evolving, reflecting both my personal experiences and the world around me.”

What is your creative process like?

“I start by drawing the concept, either on paper or digitally, and then I bring it to life. This allows me to refine my ideas and visualize the composition before moving to the next stage. From there, I work with various materials and techniques to develop the piece, letting it evolve organically as I experiment with color, texture, and form. On the other hand, for the abstract collections, I usually start by creating the concept and selecting the color themes I will be working with. After that, I create my first pieces and then recreate similar visuals in different sizes and colors to explore variations and deepen the impact.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“The role of an artist in society is to create an experience. In our everyday life, we encounter the work of multiple artists on a daily basis. Whether it’s from the clothes we wear, the music we listen to on our way to work, or the TV shows we enjoy, artists shape how we interact with the world around us. Art influences our thinking, feelings, and understanding, sparking conversations and challenging norms. As society evolves, the artist’s role continues to expand. With new technologies and platforms, artists now have more ways to connect with global audiences and explore contemporary issues. Art, whether traditional or digital, will always be essential in shaping the narrative of our time. I believe that every individual is an artist in their own way, but it depends on whether they feel the calling to pursue it. Art, driven by one's passions, brings people together, creating inspiration and unity. Artists influence trends and leave lasting marks on the world. It takes dedication and commitment to pursue art, and through this devotion, artists contribute to the ongoing evolution of culture and society. Ultimately, art is a limitless form of self-expression, allowing everyone the opportunity to become who they wish to be.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Yes, I’ve had several noteworthy exhibitions throughout my career. One that stands out is my Artist-in-Residence at the Dream Hotel in Hollywood, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with the marketing and management teams to bring new ideas and incorporate emerging technologies, creating an outstanding experience for their exclusive clientele. During this time, I organized live painting events for highly selected guests, offering an immersive experience that not only engages the attendees but also fosters new connections and a community of creatives. These events allowed guests to witness the creation of my pieces firsthand, enhancing the connection between art and audience. Vaughn Davis, the visionary behind the concept, decided to create an NFT gallery in the hotel’s entrance lobby, which became a significant milestone in the hotel's approach to integrating art with emerging technology. This concept greatly influenced my approach to public engagement and broadened my understanding of how art can intersect with new platforms. I also had the privilege of collaborating with Art Hearts Fashion, which played a key role in my move from Montreal to Los Angeles. It was through this partnership that I exhibited my Ice Cream Cone paintings with Six Summit Gallery in NYC, marking an important moment in my career and got discovered by Dream Hotel. Additionally, I designed and painted a mural at the Andaz Hotel in Hollywood, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, visible from the rooftop pool area. This project is part of the history of Los Angeles’ music industry, celebrating the cultural legacy of the city. These exhibitions, alongside my ongoing work with Alessandro Berni Gallery, have helped shape my artistic journey and further establish my presence in the high-end art market.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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