**[Philippe Halaburda](https://www.cohart.com/philippehalaburda/profile)**, a French-born self-taught abstract painter, defies traditional education with a graphic design degree. Inspired by Bauhaus and Constructivist techniques, he explores urban and natural landscapes emotionally. His vibrant geometric maps have gained recognition in European exhibitions since 2010. His American debut in 2013 marked a creative expansion, followed by solo exhibitions in 2016.

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##### What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you start your journey?

My journey into art began with a deep curiosity about the world around me and a fascination with creative expression from a young age. I was drawn to how art could capture complex emotions, tell stories, and reveal hidden layers of meaning. This intrigue evolved over time, and I constantly explored new art and design forms. My practice was influenced by a desire to connect with people on a deeper level, explore how we interact with our environment, and reimagine the familiar in unexpected ways.

##### What is your favorite medium to work with, and why does it resonate with you?

My favorite medium to work with is color tape. I love how it brings precision, structure, and vibrancy to my work. Color tape resonates because it allows me to explore form and boundaries with clean lines and bold colors, creating striking contrasts and visual impact. It’s a medium that lends itself to experimentation, layering, and a certain playfulness while reflecting the meticulousness that goes into my creative process. Working with color tape lets me transform simple materials into dynamic compositions that feel controlled and free.

##### What role does research play in your artistic process? Do you have a specific method for gathering inspiration?

Research in my artistic process is less about structured investigation and more about exploration and discovery. I rely on physically and mentally wandering to gather inspiration, allowing me to stumble upon unexpected ideas and visuals. This approach to research helps me renew my perspective and keeps my art dynamic. By immersing myself in different environments, I find connections and patterns that fuel my creativity. It’s an intuitive process, driven by curiosity, that invites fresh insights into my work. Each encounter or observation, whether in a cityscape or a natural setting, adds depth to my artistic practice.

##### How has your artistic vision evolved over time, and where do you see it heading in the future?

My artistic vision has evolved significantly, shifting from a focus on figurative work to an entirely abstract approach. Initially, my work leaned into more representational forms, where I explored human figures and concrete shapes to convey meaning. Over time, however, I felt drawn to abstraction to express more profound, intangible concepts and emotions that traditional forms couldn’t fully capture. This evolution allowed me to break away from literal depictions, embracing layers, textures, and colors to evoke a visceral response.

Looking forward, I see my art continuing to push the boundaries of abstraction, possibly integrating surprising new materials and techniques that deepen this exploration. I’m interested in creating immersive, multisensory experiences that invite viewers to interpret and connect with the work on their terms.

##### How do you stay motivated and inspired during creative blocks or challenging times?

Staying motivated and inspired during creative blocks or challenging times, like the past two years with my two newborns, has required a shift in perspective. Balancing parenthood with my art practice meant learning to find inspiration in quieter, more personal moments and accepting that pauses can also be part of the creative journey. Even when I couldn’t actively work on my art, I stayed connected by observing the world through a new lens, gathering ideas and emotions I know will find their way into my work when the time is right.

In moments of creative block, I remind myself that art is a continuous process and that even stepping back can enrich it. I stay motivated by keeping a flexible mindset and allowing myself to wander—even if only through thoughts and small moments—knowing that this time is building a new foundation for my creative expression.

##### How do you balance commercial aspects of being an artist with your creative vision?

Balancing the commercial aspects of being an artist with my creative vision is an ongoing, thoughtful process. I approach each project with an awareness of its purpose and the audience it serves, but I also prioritize staying true to the artistic values that define my work. In commercial settings, I aim to weave my style and perspective into designs that meet a client’s needs while resonating with my aesthetic and vision.

This balance often involves creative problem-solving—finding ways to honor my artistic integrity within project constraints. Commercial projects are opportunities to stretch my creative abilities, and I take pride in bringing a unique, thoughtful approach to each one. By collaborating closely with clients and aligning with brands whose values resonate with mine, I can ensure that my commercial work still feels authentic and aligned with my artistic vision.

##### Does technology play a role in your art-making process?

Technology doesn’t play a role in my art-making process because my approach is rooted in traditional, tactile methods that allow me to connect directly with my materials. Working with my hands and engaging with physical mediums, like color tape and printmaking, gives my work a unique authenticity and personal touch that digital tools can’t replicate. Manually constructing layers and textures is integral to my creative process—it’s where I find freedom and expression, unhindered by the constraints or shortcuts that technology might introduce.

For me, art is about immersing myself in the physicality of the materials, letting the unpredictability of each piece guide me. By keeping technology out of my process, I can stay fully present in each moment, drawing inspiration from direct interaction with my environment and materials.

##### Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you're particularly excited about?

While I don’t have any upcoming projects or exhibitions at the moment, I’m still actively creating new artworks on paper and canvas. This ongoing practice allows me to experiment and refine my ideas, staying connected to my artistic vision. Working on these pieces keeps my creativity alive, and I’m excited about where these explorations might lead, whether to future shows or unique projects that feel meaningful and fulfilling.

##### How do you approach the concept of success or failure in your art practice?

Rather than seeing success as reaching a specific milestone or achieving external recognition, I view it as staying true to my creative vision and continually evolving as an artist. Success, for me, is about the journey—exploring new ideas, pushing boundaries, and feeling a sense of fulfillment from the process itself.

Failure, on the other hand, is simply part of that journey. I see it as a learning tool, a way to understand what resonates and what doesn’t. Each “failed” piece or challenging project is a stepping stone that refines my skills and helps me discover something new. This perspective frees me to take risks and experiment without fearing mistakes, as I know they’ll ultimately enrich my work and deepen my understanding of my practice.

##### What advice would you give to emerging artists or other artist peers trying to find their voice in the art world?

I would tell them that finding your voice in the art world is a journey that requires patience, authenticity, and courage. Start by exploring as many mediums, styles, and ideas as possible. Let your curiosity guide you, and don’t feel pressured to settle into a single style too quickly. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what truly resonates with you.

I also believe it’s important to embrace vulnerability—both in your work and in sharing it. Art that is honest and personal will connect with people more deeply. Don’t be afraid to create pieces that reflect your own experiences, emotions, and perspectives, even if they feel different from what’s popular or expected.

Finally, try not to measure your progress solely by external validation. Success in the art world isn’t just about recognition; it’s about developing a body of work that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Focus on the journey and stay open to growth. With time, your unique voice will naturally emerge.

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Philippe Halaburda’s journey evolved from figurative to abstract, focusing on emotions, layers, and immersive experiences.

Spotlight: Philippe Halaburda’s Dialogue of Color, Tape, and Texture

Spotlight: Philippe Halaburda’s Dialogue of Color, Tape, and Texture

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