Interview

Apr 8

Thierry Sarra

Based just outside Paris, this self-taught artist has turned collage into much more than a mere pastime: it has become a true calling. What began as a hobby has gradually evolved into a full-time pursuit, driven by inspiration deeply rooted in dreamlike imagery, surrealism, and symbolic representations. His works, crafted from old newspapers and magazine clippings, combine glue, cardboard, and sometimes paint or drawing. A mixed-media technique that transcends the traditional codes of collage, borrowing from poetry and painting to create unique compositions. Thierry also draws from the worlds of photography and painting, which serve as catalysts for his creations. His primary influences lie with the Surrealists and Symbolists, whose legacy he extends through meticulous assemblage work.

For him, the main challenge of collage lies in the harmonious arrangement of elements, a process sometimes facilitated by digital tools. This approach has given rise to striking pieces such as L’Appel des troupes and Himalaya, essential milestones in his artistic journey. Although Thierry works alone, he does not hesitate to collaborate occasionally via Instagram, particularly on World Collage Day. Although he has not yet held a solo exhibition, he is planning to organize one, while building his online presence through his Instagram account.

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

“I am a self-taught artist based just outside Paris who has been practicing collage as an art form for several years. I began showcasing my entire body of work on my Instagram account, then participated in open calls as a beginner. Very quickly, I received offers to exhibit in several galleries, which allowed me to engage with the art world alongside professionals. My work has been featured in various publications in specialized art magazines.”

What inspires you?

“My work revolves primarily around the imagination and dreamlike imagery, and all of my creations draw heavily on the collective unconscious and popular culture. My artistic world is strongly influenced by artistic movements such as surrealism and symbolism, and painting and photography serve as ideal mediums for shaping each of my creations.”

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

“My approach to imagery is intuitive and aims to create a visual narrative with a genuine coherence that stimulates the viewer’s imagination and subjectivity by opening up a space dedicated to dreams and abstraction.”

How would you describe your work?

“My works are created primarily from recycled old newspapers, magazine clippings, or scraps of paper. My art seeks to redefine the traditional norms of collage and reinterprets the standards of the field through an original and poetic technique that takes care to avoid the familiar divisions often found in this artistic discipline—for example, by prioritizing harmony over fragmentation.”

Which artists influence you most?

“My favorite artists belong to well-known artistic movements such as symbolism, pre-Raphaelite, and surrealism: among them are John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Giorgio de Chirico.”

What is your creative process like?

“My art can be defined as a hybrid creative process aimed at reinterpreting or elevating pre-existing, pre-formatted works by deconstructing them through the addition of various external elements. I always start with a vernacular image, which I then partially transform by combining and juxtaposing several original fragments.”

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

“I believe that the role of the artist serves as a powerful catalyst for social change, creating a vital breathing space in a complex and anxiety-inducing world. Artists play an active role in the flourishing of society by helping to raise awareness and awaken minds through the interactive and healing power of the artistic experience.”