“Even your dream job has parts which suck.”
A Journey from Sound to Sight
Patrice Lambeau’s artistic evolution is a testament to the fluidity of creative expression. Originally a musician, the Swiss-born artist transitioned from composing melodies to crafting intricate digital collages that challenge perceptions of texture, depth, and reality. His work, celebrated for its emotional intensity and technical sophistication, bridges the divide between traditional and digital mediums, creating compositions that evoke both curiosity and introspection.
Lambeau’s journey into visual art was deeply personal. Growing up in Switzerland, he struggled with feelings of social isolation, a theme that continues to permeate his work. His series Solitaire explores the universal experience of loneliness, translating it into layered, multi-textured digital paintings. Each composition invites viewers into a world where emotions are not just depicted but physically felt, resonating on a profound level.
For nearly two decades, Berlin has been Lambeau’s creative hub, where he refines his practice and pushes the limits of digital collage. By incorporating a meticulous layering technique, he achieves an optical complexity that traditional painting cannot replicate. His works are not merely visual experiences but immersive narratives, reflecting both personal and collective realities.
Patrice Lambeau: From Independent Rock to Digital Mastery
Lambeau’s artistic path began in the world of independent rock, where he spent years as a musician before shifting his creative focus entirely to visual art. Even during his time in music, he maintained a strong connection to the visual arts, working as a drawing teacher and nurturing his passion for artistic expression. Eventually, his interest in collage intensified, leading him to develop a unique digital process that would define his career.
His technique involves layering countless textures and elements in digital compositions, producing intricate images that carry a striking depth. To transform these digital works into physical pieces, he prints them on wood and seals them with high-quality epoxy resin. The resin not only enhances the visual intensity of the pieces but also introduces a tactile element, making each artwork a singular creation. With a production rate of approximately 100 pieces per year, Lambeau’s dedication to his craft is evident in both volume and quality.
The influence of Impressionist masters such as Pierre Bonnard plays a significant role in Lambeau’s approach to color and composition. However, he also draws inspiration from the vast array of contemporary artists found on platforms like Instagram. In a world increasingly affected by political turmoil, Lambeau finds solace in the beauty and urgency of artistic expression, using his work to process and respond to the complexities of modern life.
Crafting a Unique Artistic Process
Lambeau’s creative process is deeply intertwined with his workspace. The first stage of his work requires only an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil, tools that grant him the freedom to design and refine his compositions wherever inspiration strikes. His digital workflow allows him to work in bed between sleeping periods, eliminating the need for the traditional setup of brushes and canvases. This unconventional approach aligns with his natural rhythm, making creation an instinctive and continuous act.
The transformation of digital images into physical artworks requires precision. His studio, kept at a controlled temperature of 21-24°C, provides the perfect environment for working with epoxy resin. This process demands not only artistic skill but also technical expertise, as the resin application must be executed flawlessly to achieve the desired finish. Despite frequent challenges—ranging from software glitches to material imperfections—Lambeau embraces these obstacles as part of the creative process.
His approach to art is not confined to personal expression but extends to broader global concerns. One of his most significant works, Glacier, Close to Midnight, stands as a powerful commentary on climate change. As his largest piece to date, it highlights the urgency of environmental issues that are often overshadowed by geopolitical conflicts. Through this work, Lambeau urges viewers to reconsider their priorities and reflect on the planet’s fragile state.
Patrice Lambeau: Pushing Artistic Boundaries Forward
Lambeau’s artistic evolution is not just about refining his technique but also about expanding his reach. Over the past year, he has successfully exhibited his work in Berlin and Switzerland, gaining international recognition for his distinct approach to digital collage. These solo exhibitions have allowed him to showcase the depth and complexity of his creations, offering audiences a glimpse into his intricate world.
Despite these achievements, Lambeau’s aspirations remain forward-focused. His goal is to continue advancing at his natural pace, bringing his work to new audiences and international galleries. The fluidity of his creative process ensures that he is never stagnant, always seeking new ways to challenge himself and his medium. His ability to blend traditional influences with cutting-edge technology positions him at the forefront of contemporary digital art.
While his journey from musician to visual artist may seem like a dramatic shift, for Lambeau, it has been a natural progression. Both music and visual art serve as forms of storytelling, and his transition from sound to imagery has only deepened his ability to communicate emotion and experience. Through his striking digital collages, he invites viewers to step into a world where art is not just seen but felt—where isolation, connection, and introspection converge in a visual symphony.
