Gérard Blain

Builders and crazy ideas of joy

2013

Gérard Blain, a passionate and talented artist, was born in 1938. He is an artist with an atypical career. Coming from a modest family, having stopped very early in his studies, he became a waiter, a job he would do for many years before opening his restaurant with his wife. In parallel, he writes, draws and paints and even tries to sculpt. This self-taught artist learned by mimicry, reproducing the great masters but also his cat in motion. His style has evolved over time and especially since the death of his wife. Before, Blain painted what he saw — now he paints what he feels. This overflowing creativity has become a necessary means of expression. After a darker phase in his work, Blain now focuses on humorous drawings, not unlike an artist whom he particularly admires, Sempé.