French Artist Hervé Alexandre’s Newspaper Art Inspired with Renown Emiratis

Hervé Alexandre

In the vibrant world of contemporary art, few artists embody the spirit of exploration and human connection as profoundly as Hervé Alexandre. With a career spanning four decades, nearly 1,000 artworks, and exhibitions in over 50 countries, Hervé is more than an artist—he is a storyteller, a humanist, and a citizen of the world. His works invite viewers to journey with him through the kaleidoscope of cultures, emotions, and causes that define our shared humanity.

Hervé’s art is born from a passion for travel and discovery. Each portrait, landscape, and experimental piece captures the fleeting yet profound emotions of arriving in unfamiliar places, meeting new faces, and saying bittersweet goodbyes. His paintings are a celebration of the joy and fragility of these moments, rendered in a style that is colorful, dynamic, and deeply evocative.

Drawing inspiration from masters like Vermeer, Dalí, and Hopper, Hervé’s work bridges the traditional and the innovative. From his early days of sketching comics and caricatures to his mastery of acrylics, his journey as an artist mirrors his personal evolution as a global traveler.

Newspaper Art

Hervé Alexandre began painting on newspapers in 2021 during a visit to Latvia, and it has since become one of his most defining artistic expressions. For him, newspapers are more than paper—they are carriers of culture, language, and memory. In regards to painting on newspapers, he stated:

Painting on newspapers, especially of people I have met or admired, is a way to strengthen the connection between art and history, Alexandre explains.

So far he made many portraits on newspapers. Among the recent ones are portrait of Nikola Tesla and renown Emirati artist Ahmad Al Awadi Rukni. Although being a frequent visitor of The Emirates he never had a chance to make a link between his work and the UAE. The portrait of Mr. Rukni is for sure just one of many that he will create in the future.

Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni

Hervé’s work is not just about aesthetics—it is a powerful medium for advocacy. His portraits often spotlight indigenous cultures, minorities, and traditional ways of life that are under threat. Through series like Naadam Festival in Mongolia and Bheel Tribal Village in Rajasthan, Hervé gives visibility to communities that are often overlooked, urging us to cherish and preserve their rich heritages.

Environmental conservation is another cornerstone of his artistic mission. Hervé’s ecological art, such as his upcycled sculptures made from airplane parts or his newspaper portraits, reflects a commitment to sustainability. For Hervé, even the materials he uses tell a story—each newspaper carries the essence of its origin, and each airplane part speaks of distant skies and journeys past. His work transforms these elements into poignant reminders of our responsibility to the planet.

Innovating Across Mediums

Hervé’s creative spirit knows no bounds. Beyond painting, he has delved into land art, street art, video, and digital mediums, continuously pushing the boundaries of his craft. His thematic series, such as Street Food in South Korea and Visual Aids, demonstrate his versatility and willingness to experiment. Whether he’s painting portraits on local newspapers or creating sculptures from discarded materials, Hervé’s art is as diverse as the cultures that inspire him.

Connecting Through Art

A true believer in the power of art to bridge divides, Hervé views his work as a universal language. When words fail, his brush speaks. His passion for people is evident not only in his art but also in his efforts to educate and inspire others. Through workshops and masterclasses in countries like Armenia, Senegal, and India, Hervé has nurtured the next generation of artists, sharing his techniques and his love for cultural exchange.

At its heart, Hervé Alexandre’s art is about connection—between people, places, and ideas. His works offer viewers a moment of escape, a chance to marvel at the beauty of our world, and a call to action to protect it. Whether he’s painting a Mongolian wrestler on a local newspaper or transforming airplane parts into sculptures, Hervé invites us to see the extraordinary in the everyday and to embrace our roles as stewards of the planet and its myriad cultures.

For Hervé, art is more than a profession; it is a lifelong journey of discovery, compassion, and advocacy. Through his vibrant creations, he reminds us of the joy in exploring the unfamiliar and the importance of preserving the fragile moments that connect us all. As a citizen of the world, Hervé Alexandre’s art is a testament to the beauty of humanity and the power of creativity to inspire change.