André Monet

André Monet portrays the pop icons of our time in expressive, large-format collages. Not only does he capture our fascination with celebrity culture, but also the complexity of the stars’ individual personalities. Human, vulnerable, and exalted at the same time, these charismatic celebrities bring us under their spell.

The Canadian artist honours the late David Bowie with a portrait of unique intensity, stylishly embracing the music legend’s enigmatic aura. When selecting his subjects, Monet draws inspiration from the spirit of the times. For instance, he has created stunning portraits of Rihanna, Jay-Z, and celebrated actress Cate Blanchett.

In his incisive pop-art style, Monet reinterprets photographs in minutely detailed collages consisting of text and acrylics. The extreme contrast between light and shadow lends the faces a dramatic expressiveness. Carefully selected colour accents complete the compositions. The scraps of text, maps, and writing are not random; they are directly related to the subjects’ biographies and achievements.

In the 1980s, Monet studied art and graphic design in his hometown, Montreal. His work has since been exhibited in numerous galleries across the world. In 2011, he was commissioned to produce an image of Prince William and Princess Kate to commemorate their royal wedding. In his distinctive style, he combines handcrafted finesse and emotionality to produce glamorous portraits.

Daniela Kummle