Born in 1991, Nathan Chantob lives and works in Paris. As a young painter, he is primarily interested in human emotions and in particular, that which appears beyond language. Such is the theme of his paintings, which are usually done in an intimate portrait-style.
Drawing by instinct in a quest for authenticity
Nathan Chantob’s interest lies in things that are quite frontal both in his creation and in his life. He claims that there is a certain immediacy between his head and his paintbrush. Before starting to paint, however, he creates meticulous sketches to accurately capture the spirit of his subject.
Drawing is an integral part of Chantob’s life. He will use any available medium. His paintings, on the other hand, are a mixture of instinct and work. He has always felt a strong obligation to succeed, in a quest for authenticity and out of respect for the greats that came before him.
The human figure as a guiding principle
Nathan Chantob paints from experience: his past, present, and even the casual encounters he has every day. Whether it be individuals he sees on the street, in bars, or on the metro, each has a similar yet unique story to tell.
This ubiquitous figure that appears in almost all of his work reflects a side of humanity that is abused, worried, anxious and dark. According to the artist, “The densest darkness is never far from the brightest light.”
