Fabrice Vallez is an artist and painter who has over 25 years of experience in his line of work. He studied fine arts in France, but it was in the United States where his art truly took off. Following a series of critically-acclaimed exhibitions there, he then established himself in the UAE’s abstract art scene.
Vallez’s ‘Shift Our Perspective’ exhibition, running from October 18 to October 20 in Alserkal Avenue, promises to be one of his finest yet. Set to take place at the AKKA Project Gallery, this exhibition presents the world in a new light, underscoring the importance of industrial waste as a tool for world awareness on ecological matters.
Ahead of his exhibition, KHAMSA had an artistic conversation with Vallez.
١. We’re excited about your new show, “Shift our Perspective,” opening in Dubai this week. Could you tell us more about it?
“Shift Our Perspective is an exhibition that challenges traditional views on pollution and destruction. By inviting viewers to see beauty in what is typically considered harmful or negative, it encourages a broader understanding of our environment and the impact of human activity.”
– Fabrice Vallez
٢. You’re exploring the intersection between beauty, art, and pollution. This is such a powerful subject. What role does emotion play in your artwork, and how do you translate it onto the canvas?
“Without emotion, the art isn’t art, but an object. Art explains a story, a story needs an experience and an experience needs an emotion. I like to see a positive and sustainable view in all natural damage.”
٣. As an artist, where do you find inspiration?
“I’m inspired by transformation and finding beauty in the unexpected. I love turning industrial leftovers and waste into powerful stories. One of my best spots for inspiration is the Dubai scrapyard, as it makes me feel like a kid in an arcade. Intimidating, but exciting.”
٤. We’d love to hear more about your creative process: Do you go with the flow, or do you usually plan every detail?
“With my art technique of partial abstraction, it’s impossible to know what the final result will be. It’s amazing to know you’re working with something that can give you something unexpected. Sometimes it’s fails and I try again until I’m in harmony with the piece, and that’s what I love.”
– Fabrice Vallez
٥. If you had any advice for young artists wishing to start in the art world, what would it be?
“First, you have to understand what art is. Familiarizing yourself with the backstory helps understand what art style you prefer, which is the next step. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself. Let the art express things you wouldn’t say or do.”
