Niark1

Sébastien Ferault, born in 1975 in Paris, is better known in the world of street art under the pseudonym Niark1.

At once illustrator, graphic designer and painter, Niark1 is truly a multi-talented artist. Through his career, he partnered up with numerous iconic brands such as Converse, or more unexpectedly the stroller brand Bugaboo. These unique collaborations, as well as the numerous festival posters he created (such as the 2016 edition of the 'Déferlantes' one) and the visuals he created for world-famous artists like Pharrell Williams enabled his particular style to become recognisable by all.

It is not a coincidence that so many brands and personality have come to trust Niark1 with their visual identity. Indeed, the Frenchman has exhibited work all over Europe and the US (Copenhagen, Berlin, Tampa…) and his universe appeals to many.

Niark1's practice is inspired by influences as varied as Picasso's cubism, Basquiat's neo-expressionism, African art or Outsider Art. The artist has been obsessed with monsters since his childhood. He cherishes them and appeals to them in all of his creations, as they allow him to let his imagination run free, and help prevent rules and limits from constraining his creativity. These fantastical figures help him create rich and colourful artworks which can remind one of Native American totems, hybrid divinities with evolving animal heads: owls, cats, horned beasts… Niark1 confesses a passion for Eastern countries, and for their cultures haunted by various demons and other mythological creatures.

The artist has produced many original drawings in pencil and ink, but in our selection, Artsper wished to focus on his talents as a painter, through his large-format canvases which oscillate between pop-surrealism and 'figuration libre' (free figuration).