Etienne Quesnay: French artist and watercolorist
Etienne Quesnay, a young French artist, is best known for his watercolor portraits. A true Renaissance man, he is also a musician under the name Kaesen. Between imagination, dreams, and artistic experimentation, he evokes emotions and new ideas. Welcome to his sensitive and creative world.
1. Could you tell us a little more about your career?
Étienne: I started drawing at age 6, wanting to imitate my father's drawing style. I continued throughout my childhood, then gradually moved on to painting.
I arrived in Paris at the age of 21. That's where I really started to share my work on Instagram, exposing myself to other people's reactions. I painted many models and inspiring beauties, as well as artists. They often shared my work, which helped me gain recognition initially. Then, one thing led to another, and I collaborated with Paterson, which ended up in major fashion and streetwear stores.
After that, I sought to further test my imagination, focusing solely on raw creations born from the mind, and no longer just portraits of real people. I also felt the need to move beyond watercolor and explore other techniques: acrylics, collages of shapes or words, and oil paints. To stand out, I started creating Instagram filters, and then the opportunity presented by the media outlet MAD gave me a significant boost in visibility. This led to collaborations with Artsper, Adidas, and other brands I can't yet mention, but with whom I'll be working very soon. This is just the beginning, I hope.
2. What makes you want to paint?
Étienne: Painting is more of a need than a desire. It's my way of expressing things subtly, of giving voice to my melancholy, my doubts, my thoughts. The moment I imagine or discover what my next creation will look like, in front of my paper or canvas, is a magical moment. I find so much pleasure in creating.
3. Which contemporary artists inspire you?
Étienne: There are artists whose work I appreciate, who evoke feelings in me: Kopeto, Emir Shiro, Ines Longevial, Diane Dal-Pra, and Gabrielle Rul, who inspired me to paint everywhere, on all kinds of surfaces, without overthinking it. More generally, it's the emotions conveyed through words, photos, or music that inspire me the most.
4. You use the internet and social media to develop your career and online visibility. What do you think of the impact of the internet on an artist's career?
Étienne: The internet is our generation's opportunity. It's a way for all of us to break down barriers, to say hello to those we would never have met in real life. As an artist, Instagram is your own gallery, the megaphone that allows you to express yourself visually. If people connect with your world, if your persona is genuine, and if you're patient and disciplined, it can only work.
5. What are your favorite places in Paris to find inspiration?
Étienne: The whole of Paris inspires me. It's a cliché and easy to say. But you only have to walk a few meters to encounter inspiring faces, fantastic skies, and monuments that sometimes aren't even monuments at all. If I had to name just one place, I would say Parc Monceau. But my inspiration comes mainly from everyday life, hope, dreams, the past, music, and other things I forget.
6. You lend your brushes to several fashion brands (Farfetch, GR8 Tokyo, Paterson, Opening Ceremony). What do you think of collaborations between brands and artists?
Étienne: Some reject this mix. In my opinion, collaborations between brands and artists are a product of our time. It’s a great means of expression, provided it stems from a genuine desire. I'm not yet affected by this model, but when major artistic figures lend their talent to brands, they regain public visibility and become accessible to a wider audience. It can only be beneficial.
« Blue is more versatile, more poetic. It has so many more beautiful things to say. »
7. You paint, you rap, but what other talents are you hiding from us?
Étienne: I don't know all my talents yet. I still have time to explore my imagination and discover myself. I hope I have other talents. They might be hidden, but I'll find them eventually.
8. “Dreamer” is a word that comes up often on your Instagram. Do you consider yourself a dreamer?
Étienne: I’m a dreamer who wants to live my dreams. I approach dreaming methodically, thinking about how to achieve them. I’m a country boy, modest, raised with love. There’s this notion of gentleness and hope that has been with me from the start. I absolutely need to dream. And I spend most of my time convincing myself that I can live them.
