Interview with Julien Rubat: Painting at the Intersection of Science and Instinct
05 February 2025
Working at the intersection of technology and artistry, former tech professional Julien Rubat shares his unique journey from the structured world of computer science to the expansive realm of contemporary art. Currently working from his renovated historic farmhouse studio in the French Alps, Rubat's artistic practice demonstrates how scientific methodology can harmonize with creative intuition. His distinctive approach to art-making, which involves intricate layering of paint and paper, reflects both his systematic background and his embrace of spontaneity. In this interview, Rubat discusses his transformation from tech pioneer to artist, exploring how his past experiences continue to shape his artistic vision and creative process.
Early Career Influence
You began your career in information technology and business before transitioning to art. How did your professional experience in these fields shape your perspective as an artist?
I approach things with a scientific mindset, something I picked up from my studies and professional experience. They instilled in me an appreciation for logic and critical thinking. In computer science, there is a focus on organization and methodical problem-solving, and I believe this perspective influences how I construct my work.
Blending Technology and Art
How do you conceptualize the balance between rationality and intuition in your creative process? Are there any parallels between patterns in nature and patterns in technology?
My process follows a structured framework, but intuition plays a key role, allowing for spontaneity that logic alone wouldn’t create. Nature operates in a similar way, trees grow toward the light and rivers carve new paths, adapting within underlying structures. Technology, particularly AI, tries to mirror this by identifying patterns and making decisions that appear intuitive, though it ultimately remains confined by its programming and data.
The Move to Los Angeles
Your time in California, particularly Los Angeles, seems pivotal in your journey. What motivated you to move? What influence did the creative community and environment in LA have on your artistic development?
I moved to California because I was looking for something new, a shift that would challenge me in different ways. I found an incredible diversity of ideas in Los Angeles. The artists and musicians I met during this time played a significant role in shaping my perspective and providing inspiration. The light, space, and energy there had a profound impact on how I approached my work and how I envisioned its scale and ambition. It was during this time that I gained a clearer sense of purpose which led me to transition to a full-time artistic practice. It was both exciting and intimidating, but ultimately, it felt like the right thing to do. It allowed me to align my life with my vision, giving me the freedom to explore and grow as an artist.
Cultural Influences
Your work reflects a synthesis of cultural influences from your time in Paris and California. Your studio is currently housed in a historic farmhouse in the French Alps. How do these experiences and the different settings inspire your work, and what role does it play in your creative process?
Curiosity has always driven me, and living in different places has strengthened my adaptability, pushing me to constantly reassess my perspectives. Coming back to the house where I grew up felt like a natural way to reconnect with my roots. Transforming it into a more eco-friendly space made it truly my own again while preserving its role as a gathering place for family. Being here now gives me the chance to reflect on everything I’ve experienced while staying open to what comes next.
Techniques and Materials
Your process involves layering paint and collaged paper, resulting in intricate, textured compositions. Can you explain how this technique helps convey your artistic vision?
I've been interested in paper from the start, though I’m not entirely sure what drew me to it. I enjoy the possibilities it offers in combination with paint, as both materials mix and interact in unique ways. I layer these materials and transfer them to the canvas in a way that is similar to printing. The work demands both physical effort and precision, allowing me to maintain control over the outcome while embracing randomness.
Interpreting Your Work
Your paintings are non-representational yet evoke geological formations, urban landscapes, or biological growth. What do you hope people take away from your work?
It’s less about controlling what the work might evoke and more about the act of bringing something into being that holds a sense of autonomy. This exploration, I believe, is where the essence lies. It's in the repetition, in the continuous pursuit of the unknown and the creation of a distinct reality.
Artistic Evolution
Looking ahead, how do you see your work evolving, and are there new themes or techniques you’re excited to explore?
There is still much to uncover in the direction I am pursuing. With each painting, I learn more about the methods, and new questions emerge along the way. Revisiting earlier works often reveals overlooked elements or ideas that can find new life in current projects. Recently, I have become increasingly interested in exploring volume and materiality, particularly through working with metal.
