Sébastien Larochelle: The Artistic Odyssey from Montréal to the World
Sébastien Larochelle’s journey as an artist has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by a deep passion for visual arts that has taken him from studying in Montréal to having his works prominently displayed in galleries across Montréal and Western Canada. His art has transcended borders, finding its way into private and public collections in Canada, the United States, and Europe. This captivating story of artistic growth and global appreciation is a testament to Larochelle’s talent and dedication.
From the very beginning, Larochelle knew that art would play a significant role in his life. He recalled, “Since the first time I drew something that looked like what I wanted to represent, I knew that art would be a part of my life.” However, he initially envisioned a career as a graphic designer or an art teacher. At that time, he couldn’t have imagined that becoming an artist in Québec, Canada, was possible. In his mind, the art world was something that flourished in Europe or the United States. Nevertheless, Larochelle’s unwavering commitment to the arts led him through his entire academic journey, from college to university.
Larochelle’s artistic exploration took a decisive turn when he moved from his hometown of Abitibi to study arts in the bustling city of Montréal. It was there that he developed a technique that marked the inception of his first creative period: “dripping.” In this unique approach, he used liquid paint to draw bodies and animals with spontaneous and rapid gestures on backgrounds inspired by the industrial world. The result was a fusion of paleolithic art and street art, a truly innovative and eye-catching style.
As fate would have it, a fortuitous encounter changed the trajectory of Larochelle’s artistic career. While studying, he found employment at a record store on Montréal’s Mont-Royal Street. One day, one of his customers showed interest in his paintings and decided to present photos of Larochelle’s work to a gallery owner. Overnight, his artwork made the transition from a university studio to a professional gallery, and one of his earliest pieces was sold and sent all the way to South Korea.
Reflecting on the global appreciation his art has received, Larochelle commented, “It’s exciting to know that my work travels to other countries and is appreciated worldwide, but it also feels abstract. I don’t see my work in those places, nor do I see the people who admire it. I believe that keeps me grounded.”
The pinnacle of Larochelle’s early artistic achievements came with his solo exhibition “Equus Libertas” a decade ago. This exhibition marked the height of his “Équine” period, showcasing the freedom, spirit, speed, and power of horses both visually and technically. The exhibition featured oversized works, with some horses being depicted in life-size proportions. The show was a resounding success, opening doors to new galleries and leading to a unique collaboration with Cavalia, renowned for its equestrian performances.
Cavalia’s recognition of Larochelle’s talent led to an extraordinary opportunity – his works would be showcased in the company’s traveling art gallery, accompanying their global tour to the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The experience was undoubtedly exhilarating for the artist, as his equine creations galloped across continents, captivating audiences with their artistic brilliance.
However, Larochelle soon realized that after fifteen years of focusing on equine subjects, he needed to reinvent himself as an artist to avoid stagnation. He explained, “I could have pursued, repeated, and done the same thing over and over, but that would have been lying to myself, and I would have somehow ‘depérir’.” For him, art is about creation, research, and finding hidden treasures like an archaeologist. This realization marked the birth of the “Istaymute” project.
“Istaymute” reflects Larochelle’s desire to paint solely for his personal pleasure, creating artwork that comes from the heart. The project began when he decided to paint a portrait of his idol and “mentor,” Jean-Michel Basquiat, in a style reminiscent of his adolescence. The painting was initially intended to remain in Larochelle’s studio, but soon after its completion, the gallery took an interest in it, leading to its immediate sale. This incident marked the inception of the “Istaymute” project.
Drawing inspiration from his school days, where he would doodle on Hilroy notebooks during classes, Larochelle decided to reproduce the lined paper and cover designs and draw portraits on them. The artwork featured two levels of drawing – hyperrealism and a more basic, naive style, resulting in a unique fusion of iconic figures from popular culture with elements of oxidation, deterioration, and graffiti.
The pseudonym “Istaymute” carries intriguing meanings. Larochelle explained, “Firstly, I wanted to separate my previous work from my current art, as it is influenced in part by street art. I was a fan of music and Depeche Mode during my fifteen years as a record store owner. I liked the logo of their record company, Mute Records. So, I chose Istaymute as a name, and for me, it’s my art that speaks, not me – I remain mute.”
Music plays a crucial role in Larochelle’s artistic process, inspiring his brushstrokes and infusing a rhythmic flow into his creations. When he paints, it’s like a dance – an intimate connection between his emotions and the music. The genre of music he listens to depends on the subject he is painting, ranging from classical to electronic, heavy metal to jazz. Currently, jazz, especially bebop, heavily influences his artistic expression.
Living in the suburbs of Montréal, Larochelle’s art has found a home in two main galleries – the Beauchamp galleries in Québec City and Montréal. His “Pop Trash Art” style seamlessly balances the vibrant energy of pop culture with a captivating portrayal of oxidation, deterioration, and graffiti, presenting thought-provoking pieces that connect with viewers on a personal level while interpreting his unique artistic vision.
Sébastien Larochelle’s artistic odyssey is an ever-evolving reflection of nostalgia for the 80s and 90s, capturing the imagination of art enthusiasts worldwide. His talent, dedication, and willingness to reinvent himself as an artist make him a true visionary of contemporary art, continually pushing boundaries and inspiring audiences with his awe-inspiring creations.