Story Drawing by Kayen

Kayen, born in 1963 and of Guyanese origin, is a prolific artist living and working in New Caledonia. Her pseudonym, Kayen, reflects her Guyanese roots, and her talent for drawing and painting was evident from her childhood.

In 1981, Kayen graduated from the Estienne school, a renowned institution for graphic arts. He then left for Guyana, where he continued to paint. Back in France, he founded a fanzine with a friend called "Zapateado", in which linocut occupies an important place. In 1987, he participated in an artistic exchange with Bulgarian creators, and it was during this period that he began to produce very large format works, measuring up to 3x10 meters. Some of his works are sold at auction in Drouot.

Alongside her artistic career, Kayen works in advertising agencies to support herself. In 1991, he founded the magazine "Drunk", for which he created illustrations and layout. Two years later, he joined the daily Libération as deputy artistic director. In 1997, he returned to Guyana, where he continued to paint and create frescoes with middle school students in Saint-Laurent du Maroni.

In 1999, Kayen participated in the filming of the film “Le Peuple Migrateur” by Jacques Perrin as a stage manager. Three years later, he left for Tahiti, where the Oceanian influence began to permeate his works, bringing out an "ethnic" aspect which took precedence over his figurative works.

In 2008, he obtained his CAP as a cabinetmaker and moved to New Caledonia. There, he created some “wild” exhibitions which captivated the public. Today, Kayen continues to paint and draw, while being a member of the rock band "Ukan". His expressionist and abstract style, often done with ink and paint on paper, conveys the depth of his emotions and his unique outlook on the world.

• Nationality: NEW CALEDONIA
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary New Caledonian Artists