Olivier Louzé

Olivier Louzé began his life in Vanuatu, which he left at the age of 15 or 16 for France. “There, I started painting Melanesian chiefs," he says.

To remember, but also to prepare for his return. “At the age of 18, I returned to Vanuatu where I exhibited my paintings of Melanesian chiefs." Several years in a row, the exhibitions allowed him to finance his travels because he still resided in France.

He finally headed for the Pacific. He went to New Caledonia, before joining Polynesia. “I just had to go there, I stayed there." He spent a long time in adapted military service before making a living from his art.

From one painting to another, the supports (mortar, kere, tapa, etc.), the techniques (knife, brush, etc.), and the material (oil, acrylic, etc.) vary. This allows him not to get stuck in a routine. “When we innovate, when we create, there is pleasure. I need to be surprised."
But always, he focuses on faces in general and looks in particular. “That's what I like, it's the expression of the look, it's the gestures, the attitudes."