?UESTIONS: Irsan Gregoire

Irsan Gregoire's art is photo-realistic, playful and with metaphoric undertones.

Skilfully using graphite, he captures the struggle for freedom and a voice within society. Self taught, Irsan's work beautifully captivates and highlights both the personality and mood of his subjects.

What inspires you to create? I fell in love with drawing when I was 6 years old. It's always been my favourite activity when I was alone, it puts me in a meditative state and kills boredom.

I first got inspired by the cartoons I used to watch on tv and started drawing the characters. Then moved on to drawing animé characters when I was eight. The same year I met a lovely art teacher named Violette who told me I was gifted and offered me free drawing and painting lessons because my parents could not pay for them.

I started learning techniques and developed my skills by doing portrait and figure drawings. I then got interested in faces and expressions and did caricatures of my friends in my teenage years. I wasn't trying to be a professional artist at first, but in 2011 I came across some motivational videos and also saw amazing hyper-realistic painting and drawings and I though, "I can do that if I practice hard enough."

I draw inspiration from any form of artistic expression may it be movies, music, photography or even sports and science. Anytime I come across someone who has mastered their craft it motivates me to push my limits and be a better artist.

What message do you wish to communicate?

I just want the viewer to get inspired and feel like anything is possible with time, hard work and dedication. Some of my artworks have a darker meaning and reflect my state of mind at a particular time. I think we all go through hard times and this makes it relatable to most people.

What role does the artist have in society?

I think the artist role is to communicate emotions by sharing his/her passion and truth with the world, but also inspire, challenge beliefs, critique society, break rules, think outside the box. It's important to fight for the freedom to do so, especially now with all that's going on in France.

What impact would you like to make on the world?

I realise the importance of role models and setting good example for the next generation. If I'm one of the reasons why a kid decides to follow his/her dream, despite everyone telling him/her he/she can't do it, then my job is done.

Website: irsan.bigcartel

Instagram: @irsan.gregoire

Facebook: irsan.gregoire