An Artist’s Journey: Exploring Identity, Transformation, and the Power of Vulnerability with Édouard Cholet

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Édouard Cholet, a Paris-based artist whose extraordinary journey toward becoming a professional golfer in the U.S. took an unexpected turn, leading him to a career in the arts. A life-changing operation became the catalyst for profound self-reflection, prompting him to leave behind the world of competitive sports and fully embrace the transformative power of art. In this exclusive interview, Cholet reflects on how his work explores complex themes of identity, transformation, and the pursuit of authenticity. He also shares his perspective on the tension between creating art for personal expression and art designed for the market, offering valuable insight into how this dynamic shapes his creative process. As he continues to evolve his practice, Cholet’s art resonates on both personal and universal levels, inviting viewers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and awareness.

Untitled, 2024, Oil on linen, 97 x 130 cm

Q: Could you share a bit about your background and the journey that led you to discover your passion for painting?

A: My path to painting was anything but linear. I began as a competitive golfer, balancing high-level tournaments with my studies in the U.S. for two years. However, a heart surgery brought me back to Paris and gave me the opportunity to reflect on what I truly wanted from life. During the lockdown, I started drawing almost by chance, and what began as a simple distraction quickly grew into a deep passion. Enrolling at Penninghen, a renowned art school in Paris, was a turning point. Sketching live models in charcoal revealed the raw power of creation, and a four-hour oil painting class awakened a part of me I hadn’t fully explored. Painting became more than a skill—it was a way to connect with myself, helping me rediscover what truly mattered.

Q: Reflecting on your journey, is there a specific piece in your portfolio that encapsulates your evolution as an artist?

A: Yes, Morphe stands out as the piece that encapsulates my evolution as an artist. It’s more than just a painting—it symbolizes a pivotal moment in my journey, both physically and mentally. Showcased during my first solo exhibition in Paris in 2023, it reflects my transition from athlete to artist and explores themes of self-acceptance and identity. Inspired by my body, shaped by a genetic condition, Morphe visualizes the concept of constant transformation—the idea that we are never the same person we were yesterday. The interplay of light, shadow, and movement in the piece reflects this ongoing evolution, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own growth. For me, it’s a snapshot of a personal metamorphosis while also resonating with the universal experience of change.

Morphe, 73 cm x 90 cm, huile sur toile

Q: How do you think this piece reflects your growth as an artist and the themes central to your work?

A: Morphe encapsulates the essence of my artistic journey: self-acceptance, transformation, and identity. It draws heavily on themes from literature, particularly Hermann Hesse’s Demian, which explores the quest for authenticity and self-discovery. Through its interplay of light and shadow, courage and fear, vulnerability and strength, the painting delves into life’s inherent dualities. Rather than resolving these contradictions, it embraces them, reflecting my belief that growth comes from navigating complexity rather than avoiding it. Morphe is a deeply personal exploration of shedding societal expectations and self-doubt to uncover a more authentic self. Ultimately, my work invites viewers to reflect on their own complexities and discover the harmony that exists within them.

Q: How do you navigate the tension between creating authentic work and meeting audience or market expectations?

A: Balancing authenticity and market expectations is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of being an artist. I experienced this tension acutely while preparing for a solo show in New York, where I wrestled with the pressure to create work that aligned with the art world’s expectations while staying true to my voice. Over time, I’ve realized that authenticity has to be non-negotiable. Work that isn’t rooted in a genuine place risks feeling empty, both for the artist and the audience. My approach is to focus on creating pieces that reflect my personal truth, trusting that this honesty will resonate with others. I’ve come to see that trying to conform to trends or external demands isn’t sustainable. True impact arises from creating with pure intention, unfiltered by market pressures.

Top to Bottom: 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆33 cm x 22 cm (13 in x 9 in), huile sur toile, 2024:𝑳𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒊, 61 cm x 46 cm (24 in x 18 in), huile sur toile, 2024:𝑳𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒔, 33 cm x 22 cm, huile sur toile, 2024

Q: Vulnerability often plays a significant role in creativity. How do you embrace it in your work, and do you find it challenging to expose that side of yourself?

A: Vulnerability is at the heart of my creative process. It’s what gives my work authenticity and allows it to resonate on a deeper level. Early in my journey, sharing deeply personal pieces often left me feeling exposed and uncertain, but I’ve come to view vulnerability as a powerful asset rather than a liability. It’s not about revealing everything but about offering what truly matters in a way that creates connection. While the fear of judgment never completely disappears, I believe that avoiding vulnerability would strip the work of its depth and meaning. My art invites viewers into my world, but it also reflects their own, transforming personal experiences into shared, universal ones. This, to me, is where the true power of art lies.

Q: One of our favorite works of yours is the piece featuring a hand holding what seems to be a pendant. Could you share the significance of this piece and the symbolism behind it ?

A: The pendant holds a profound significance in my practice. It represents a flower with a stem that takes the form of a spine, a duality that mirrors the core themes of my work. The spine symbolizes death, while the fully bloomed flower stands for life. This object embodies the contrasts I constantly explore: life and death, shadow and light, fragility and strength. It’s an object I wear every day, something deeply personal and important to me, and it serves as a reflection of the themes that drive my artistic journey. In my recent painting, the act of holding and releasing the pendant becomes a metaphor for embracing our complexities, confronting our fears, and ultimately transforming through self-discovery. This recurring motif underscores my desire to create pieces that not only reflect but also challenge, inviting viewers to engage with the nuances of identity and the beauty inherent in imperfection.

Daïmon, 81 cm x 65 cm, huile sur toile, 2024

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see your work evolving in the coming years?

A: I feel like I’m standing at the edge of something expansive. My work is still evolving, and I’m deeply invested in refining my aesthetic and continuing to explore themes like the body, self-acceptance, and the interplay between beauty and imperfection. I’m particularly intrigued by textures and materials—silk, drapes, metal—each carrying its own symbolism and depth. The tension between softness and strength, concealment and revelation, is something I want to push further. Looking ahead, I’m also excited to move beyond painting into sculpture and ceramics, working with materials like clay and bronze. These mediums offer an immediacy and tactile experience that complement the conceptual depth of my paintings. Ultimately, my vision is to merge classical techniques with contemporary questions, creating pieces that are both timeless and deeply relevant. I want my work to serve as a reflection and a catalyst, inviting viewers to confront and embrace the complexities of identity, transformation, and the beauty inherent in imperfection.

Édouard Cholet’s journey from aspiring professional golfer to the world of fine art is a powerful story of transformation and self-discovery. His evolving body of work invites viewers to reflect on their own complexities and find meaning in the beauty of imperfection. As Cholet explores the realms of painting, sculpture, and ceramics, his art continues to resonate with collectors and art enthusiasts alike, offering timeless pieces that challenge perceptions and spark introspection. Watch as his practice evolves, pushing boundaries and encouraging us all to explore the intricate connections between identity and creativity.

To see more of Édouard Cholet's incredible work and stay updated on his latest projects, be sure to follow him on Instagram  and visit his website!