Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mildor Chevalier. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mildor, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Throughout my journey as a visual artist and an immigrant, I have faced countless experiences of uncertainty, from sometimes having to choose between buying food or art materials to having my visa about to expire and not knowing when the USCIS will approve or deny my immigrant petition. In many circumstances, including those mentioned above, I was only left with hope. So, these experiences were the catalysts of my optimism.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Mildor Chevalier, a visual artist, focusing on large-scale abstract figurative painting and sometimes I would take on some experimental sculptures and editorial illustration projects. I am interested in ideas that deal with the human condition. Hence, my work revolves around belonging, memories, and individual and collective identity.
After leaving Haiti at 18, I lived in the Dominican Republic for 10 years and in New York City since 2010. My migration journey from Haiti inspired me to explore art-making beyond an insular framework. I create “situation-scapes” by merging architectural forms, essentially scaffolds and motifs, natural forms, and sometimes the human figure or group of human figures.
I am working on a project celebrating my 25th year as an immigrant. It consists of a series of paintings and a documentary-like video, resulting in a transcontinental exhibition. This body of work tells my immigration
story, highlighting my hardships to feel I belong, the construction of my identity, and the intersectionality of being a visual artist, a Black male, and of Caribbean descent living in the United States.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Tenacity. It helped me focus on my dream even when things seemed not to be working or progressing.
The will to continuously learn my craft and take time to be thankful.
In terms of advice, I would say whatever project you have, just get started. You don’t need to have everything figured out. This will leave room to learn, collaborate with others, and overcome challenges.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
When I was a kid, I used to draw a lot, obsessively a lot. Sometimes, I drew on the house wall when I couldn’t find more blank spaces. My parents have never reprimanded me. As simple as it might sound, I am still thankful that they gave me that space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mildorchevalier.com
- Instagram: @mildorchevalier
Image Credits
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so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
