Interview: Philippe Bertrand
Luca Curci talks with Philippe Bertrand during FUTURE LANDSCAPES, third event of BORDERS ART FAIR 2023, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello in Venice.

Philippe Bertrand is a multi-talented artist with a passion for digital media. Born and raised in a creative environment, Philippe’s interest in art began at an early age. He started experimenting with various forms of art, including drawing, painting, and photography but eventually found his calling in the digital realm. In 2008, Philippe began his career as a DJ, spinning records that quickly gained him recognition within the industry. He soon became a sought-after performer, opening for many international acts and performing at some music festivals. Alongside his DJ career, Philippe developed a keen interest in visual arts, and in 2010, he began his career as a VJ. He quickly established himself as a talented and innovative visual artist, using his skills to enhance the performances of many international DJs and artists.

Philippe’s digital art has been a constant passion throughout his life, using multiple mediums, from Photoshop to generative art, to create mesmerizing pieces of art. His artistic style is often characterized by vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a fusion of various art forms. He is also known for his expertise in 3D mapping and creative setups. His unique approach to combining technology and art has led to the creation of immersive visual experiences that captivate and inspire audiences. With his artistic talent and passion for digital media, Philippe has established himself as a versatile artist, combining various art forms, able to adapt to different mediums and styles. He continues to create awe-inspiring visual experiences for audiences around the world, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who experiences his work.

Luca Curci – How did you get into photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
Philippe Bertrand – I’ve always been filming stuff and taking pictures while growing up, we did skateboarding , skiing , etc. films and pictures. started doing contracts covering some car drifting events while working as a video editor in a french Television station. I always loved how pictures can capture a moment in time, the atmosphere, the energy, of a tiny speck of time in human history.

LC – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
PB – A good picture is when the photographer is able to transmit the atmosphere and energy of the moment he tries to immortalize, the timing of the action, the lighting/time of the day will also influence greatly how good a photo will be.

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealisable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on?
PB – So many visuals/projections/mapping I have in mind. I wish I could tour the world projecting my visuals into support for musical artists in their shows.

LC – What are the three hashtags essential to define your poetics that you could not give up?
PB – I have to work more on my hashtags making skills, i usually try to summarize my piece in some words to describe it so they are relevant. i will use some photography technical words but it really depends on the piece

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
PB – I like to imagine stuff, get my brain thinking of the future and extrapolate what we could do. I get Inspired a lot by Isaac Arthur’s Science and Futurism channel

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
PB – It was actually a collection I had made a couple of months back with no other intent than creating concepts of amazing futurist landscapes to have people imagining what humans can do when they work together, then a couple of months later I found out this exposition and was amazed of how fitting the theme was.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
PB – I’m a big fan of forward-thinking, and it is by making people dream of amazing stuff that they will enact changement and works towards goals of bettering the planet. So indeed the theme was appealing to me in that sense, opening the museum’s doors to the international artist also helps with the métissage and cross-pollination of all the fabulous cultures and artists from the world.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
PB – For sure! can give a lot of visibility to international artists!

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
PB – Was a quick and easy process, Giulia has been really accommodating to me!

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
PB – Great Incubator for artists!