Frantz Lexy
About | Frantz is a Haitian born painter who resides in Medford, Massachusetts. He is mostly self-taught and works primarily with acrylic paint. His practice is driven by frequent experimentation and explores identity, belonging, human’s relationship with nature and technology. He uses personal story telling as a vehicle to engage contemporary concerns and invite others to find their narratives through images.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? When we were kids, my siblings and I often made unflattering caricatures of each other. That’s how we poked fun at each other.
When did art become a pursuit? During my senior year in college studying business, I bought a set of painting tools and immediately became obsessed. That’s when I realized that I picked the wrong major.
Hot bath, mixed media on wood panel
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I’m self-taught.
How did you first become involved with CAA? I saw a captivating exhibit at the Kathryn Schultz Gallery several years ago. I believe it was a Members’ Prize show. That was all the convincing I needed to visit again and eventually, I became a member.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? This year, I begun serving on the board at the Fort Point Arts Community. I also do my best to visit art galleries around the Greater Boston.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? The role of the artist is to attend to our soul and trigger our imagination.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work primarily with acrylic paint. I’ve been increasingly interested in experimenting with various acrylic mediums like modeling pastes and gels. They’re so fun to use, and I feel like I’m only brushing the surface of their potential (pun intended).
-100, ink transfer, mixed media on wood panel
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I often seek out new ideas and inspiration. Especially now that we’re all stuck in our homes and nothing seems to be happening. For the next couple months, I plan to curate a list of movies for me to watch and allow myself to be absorbed by their visual splendor.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I don’t usually “choose” a subject matter. Ideas often get stuck in my head until I have no choice but to work on them. When I’m not painting whimsical images, I try to create images that are unsettling. Even with my more joyous pictures, I still want them to retain a certain uncanny essence.
Inferno, mixed media on wood panel
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I don’t really have 1 favorite piece. Maybe a top 5 list.
There’s one painting titled “Leisure” that’s very dear to me. I don’t think it’s the best painting I’ve ever made. Not even in the top 5. But it’s a real one-off.
What is one of your artistic goals? To see more of works from my favorite artists in person.
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? Art museums. I’ve had some genuine spiritually moving experiences at museums. They’re like places of worship.
What living artists are you inspired by?
Gerhard Richter
Kehinde Wiley
Nicolás Uribe
Arthur Jafa
Do you own any art by other artists? Is so, what artists? I do not. My walls are filled with my own artwork. I would love to own some sculptures one day.
See more from Frantz
Website: frantzlexy.com
Instagram: @ominous.cloud