Nicolas Chevallier

French–New Zealand contemporary painter creating vivid surreal narratives about humanity's relationship with nature.

From Amazon to Aotearoa

After growing up in the rainforest of French Guiana, working as an engineer across multiple continents, and eventually building a cabin in the New Zealand bush, I began my artistic journey creating paintings that imagine a different relationship between humanity and nature.

I was born in 1968 in France but spent my formative years amid the lush landscapes of French Guiana, South America. Growing up among the Amazon rainforest and coastal mangroves, I developed a deep and lasting bond with the natural world, one that would profoundly shape my artistic vision.

My father, an avid traveller, often took the family on extended journeys throughout South and Central America, from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, and from the Caribbean islands to the towering Andes.  Ultimately when I was 11, the six of us spent a year travelling across the United States in a motorhome, exploring the vast diversity of national parks. This immersion in ever-changing landscapes and cultures opened my mind to a broader, more nuanced understanding of the world.

I later returned to Europe for my studies, earning a master’s degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology in the UK and a mechanical engineering degree in France. My technical education fostered a unique appreciation for the natural world, particularly through the lens of structural systems and the patterns that sustain life. This blend of analytical insight and creative curiosity eventually became the foundation of my artistic exploration.

My career led me to live and work in countries as varied as Egypt, Jordan, China, and India. These experiences deepened my awareness of cultural richness and the many ways in which humans relate to nature.

In 2000, I moved with my wife and children to Dallas, Texas, USA, where we lived for two years. The expansive spirit and generosity of life there left me a lasting impression.

In 2002, seeking a quieter rhythm, we returned to France. We settled in a small village hoping to offer our three children a peaceful and memorable upbringing close to nature.

A decade later, in 2012, our family embarked on a new adventure, relocating to New Zealand. For eight years we made our home in Christchurch, in the South Island, where we were captivated by the country’s breathtaking beauty, from dramatic coastlines to dense forests and alpine peaks.

As time passed and the children became independent, my wife and I sought solitude in the far north of New Zealand. There, in the heart of a native subtropical bush, I hand-built a small cabin on a 14-hectare property, completely cut off from the outside world, and embraced a slower, more intentional way of life. Immersed in this environment, I connected deeply with Māori culture, particularly its spiritual reverence for nature. This worldview profoundly influenced my artistic philosophy, reinforcing the idea that nature is not just scenery, but sacred.

After three years living in the bush, we settled on the coast overlooking the beautiful harbour of Whangaroa. It is here that I decided to dedicate myself entirely to my art. Inspired by a clear and passionate message, that living close to nature leads to a richer, more meaningful life.

I now create artworks that celebrate the healing power of the natural world and encourage people to live in harmony with it.

My art, an invitation to ponder how we relate to nature

My paintings contrast monochrome scenes depicting human impact with vibrant visions of a world where nature can flourish.

The former—rendered in black and white—reflect the present: a world in need of reflection, awareness, and positive change.

The latter reveal the often-overlooked beauty of our planet while offering a vision of what our world could become.

This aspect of my work draws inspiration from the natural landscapes of New Zealand and the Māori concept of nature stewardship (*Kaitiakitanga*).

I invite the viewer to reflect on the world we have created (in black and white) and the one we could restore (in color).

I use acrylic layering techniques to achieve vibrant colors, depth, and transparency.

Collecting one of my artworks means embracing this vision; it is an affirmation of a message of hope, transformation, and purpose.