Nicolas Chevallier Artist

I am a French–New Zealand artist inspired by nature and world cultures.

Avant-gardiste surrealism layered with abstract vivid background.

My work celebrates wild beauty, the spirituality of nature, and the harmony between humans and the environment.

 

My art is a call for action

Each of my paintings offers a unique narrative, capturing two contrasting visions of our world. The black and white areas reflect the present, a world in need of reflection, awareness, and positive change. Opposing this is the vivid, colorful section, which reveals the beauty that often goes unnoticed: a vision of what our world could be. This part is inspired by the natural landscapes of New Zealand and the richness of Māori kaitiakitanga culture.

My work is more than visual; it’s a call to action. It invites collectors and viewers alike to consider their role in restoring both the planet and our shared humanity. Owning one of these pieces means becoming part of that vision, a statement of hope, transformation, and purpose.

 

My biography

I was born in 1968 in France but spent his formative years amid the lush landscapes of French Guiana, South America. Growing up among the Amazon rain-forest 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, my three brothers and I, on extended journeys throughout South and Central America, from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, and from the Caribbean islands to the towering Andes.

 

At the age of 11, I spent a year travelling across the United States with my family in a motor home, 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 family 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, I returned to France with my wife and our three young children. We settled in a small village, hoping to offer our 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. We made our home in Christchurch, on 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 during the COVID-19 pandemic. There, in the heart of the 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, I returned to the coast, settling in the small fishing village of Whangaroa. It is here that I have chosen to fully dedicate myself to his art. Inspired by a clear and passionate message, that living close to nature leads to a richer, more meaningful life. I now create work that celebrates the healing power of the natural world and encourages others to rediscover harmony with it.

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