Interview
Sylvain Prévost
Sylvain Prévost is a Canadian multidisciplinary concept pop artist, born in Montreal in 1967. His creative journey spans over 30 years, during which he has collaborated with several prestigious art galleries from coast to coast. Sylvain’s studies in commercial arts, marketing, television and film production, and screenwriting have significantly influenced his work as a visual artist. These experiences have provided him with a strong work ethic, a solid creative structure, and unbridled creativity. He approaches his paintings much like a movie script, adhering to the stages of drafting, rewriting, and polishing. Sylvain elevates his art by infusing it with his unique concepts, research, and innovative techniques. His work includes the incorporation of real glass neon, hand-sculpted 3D elements, and objects such as full-sized electric guitars and original illustrations, instead of simply reproducing existing imagery. His art resonates with historical and nostalgic elements, bridging generations and ethnicities through simple yet powerful visuals.
Photographer: Isabelle Paradis
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1967. My journey in the art world began nearly 30 years ago as a commercial prop designer and builder for television, film, and stage productions, working with many of the major players in the industry. A few years ago, I posted a picture of a painting on social media that I had created to illustrate a book I was writing at the time. The painting caught the attention of a curator, who suggested I present more of my work for consideration. I explained that I would need a few weeks to produce more pieces because I had nothing else to show apart from what she had seen online. To make a long story short, my work was immediately accepted, and the journey began. By the end of that year, I was represented by five galleries from coast to coast.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“What I try to convey with my work is: forget about life for a while and enjoy a piece of art that resonates with all of us, bringing back fond memories that unite people of all backgrounds. A great example is Fred Flintstone - his character was translated into so many languages and was part of everyone’s childhood. If you were a kid in North America who went home for lunch, you were probably watching The Flintstones while eating your sandwich, soup, or Kraft Dinner! I tend to stay away from politics, but I recently created two new pieces for my first solo show this year, Let’s Go Crazy, which I hope will open up conversations about mental health awareness, and another piece called Guns 4 Hire, which I hope will spark dialogue about gun control and the presence of guns in children’s cartoons. I also once wrote an article for a mental health awareness organization in the U.S. called Mind Your Mind. It’s a cause I strongly support.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“There’s a lot of research and planning that goes in each painting and series, but it happens very often that I will make last minute changes which give great results or ‘happy accidents.’”
“My art is my identity, it speaks in its simplicity but can also be complex if you wish to interpret it such.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I am essentially part of the pop art world trend, but more specifically, I belong to the ‘Happy Art Movement,’ which was started by Romero Britto. I also emphasize that I create ‘Concept Art.’”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“This varies, but my work generally begins with internet research - you never know when you’ll find that one piece of information that will make all the difference in a painting. I practice my illustrations as much as possible to stay true to the original illustrator’s style, but without making a direct copy. As for materials, I’m a huge fan of acrylic on canvas if there isn’t any mixed media involved, and I prefer wood when I add sculpted elements, electric guitars, or real glass neon, to name a few. Wood provides solid support for these added components. My techniques are unconventional, and some of the materials I use are considered industrial. Recently, I’ve started incorporating a special machined part into my electric guitars that allows the guitar to be removed if someone wants to play it - making my art interactive.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art is my identity. It speaks in its simplicity but can also be complex if you choose to interpret it that way. It makes me happy to think I can make people smile and start conversations around my work without needing to be there to explain it. One of my great pleasures is seeing my work appear on television or in the media, or hearing that it’s been shipped to another country. I also love when someone says they recognized my work without needing to look at the signature at the bottom of the painting - it’s like recognizing a singer’s voice in a new song.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“Of all of my works I must say the ‘Bugs Springsteen’ is one of my favorites. It’s the first of the series, it sold upon delivery and gave way to several variants. ‘Bugs Springsteen’ is a perfect example of my Concept Art, it’s a play on words and cartoon world meets real world as Bugs takes on Bruce Springsteen’s iconic pose on the cover of the 1984 ‘Born in the USA’ album. It was also the first time I integrated the 3D sculpted bunny hand holding a real electric guitar.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Besides my upcoming first solo show, I would say that I’m proud of my participation on a collective show called ‘The Board Show’ regrouping over 100 Canadian artists across the province of Quebec. It was my second appearance, and both submitted pieces were sold quickly. I was the only artist that didn’t paint on a skateboard deck and created a pop art piece on a full size Surf Board including real glass neon. I will have my very first solo show, ‘Prévost Eclectric,’ on November 7th, 2024 at 1329, avenue Greene, Westmount! It will be open until the 21st of November, 2024.”
