street mechanic (2021) Painting by Alain Bertrand

Alain Bertrand, a contemporary French painter, was born in 1946 near Paris. His early years were marked by isolation, as he was sent to a boarding school near Evreux. However, this isolation, coupled with the proximity of an American base, played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic inclinations. It was here that he discovered his passion for rock'n'roll, Elvis Presley, cigarettes, and American cars.

Following his time in the army, Bertrand found himself at Renault, where he spent 11 years overseeing the production of iconic models such as the R5 and R12. Despite his professional commitments, Bertrand never abandoned his love for painting. He predominantly focused on depictions of cars, a theme that would later become synonymous with his work. Concurrently, he began to showcase his drawings in comic books such as Tintin and Pilote, laying the groundwork for his artistic career.

Bertrand's artistic journey took an unexpected turn when he collaborated with Francis Coppola on the creation of the "coup de cœur" poster and worked on movie posters such as "Is there a French in the theater?" and "Many dearest" featuring Faye Dunaway. His talents extended beyond France as he ventured into the United States, contributing to advertising campaigns for renowned brands like New York Telephone, Atari, and Jeep Cherokee.

In 1982, Bertrand, along with Patrice and Christian Larue, founded BAHAMAS, a group of illustrators renowned for their work on national advertising campaigns for companies including Darty, Renault, Peugeot, and Mars (Twix), among others. This period marked a significant milestone in Bertrand's career, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished artist.

Bertrand's artistic influences are deeply rooted in his travels and experiences. His first trip to the USA in the 1970s left an indelible mark on his painting style, as he sought inspiration from the remnants of the American dream and the allure of vintage American automobiles. The vibrant hues of Arizona and New Mexico became a recurring motif in his work, reflecting his fascination with the American landscape.

In the 1980s, Bertrand's artistic trajectory took another transformative turn when he discovered Cuba. Immersed in the vibrant culture of Havana, he found inspiration in the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, capturing the timeless allure of the Cuban way of life. The warmth of Cuban colors and the sense of nostalgia permeated his paintings, adding a new dimension to his artistic repertoire.

Bertrand's preferred subject matter revolves around motorized vehicles, which he portrays with meticulous attention to detail in a hyperrealistic style. His paintings, executed primarily in oils on large canvas supports, exude a sense of dynamism and vitality, transporting viewers back in time and evoking a sense of nostalgia for the bygone era of the American dream.