INTERVIEW
ROMAIN FUELER
PUBLISHED
WED, 29 OCT 2025
7 MIN READ
Romain Fueler is a French artist born in 1982 and based in Paris. The common DNA in most of his works is certainly the mix of worry and playfulness that he translates through wacky characters, extraordinary animals, and elementary or childlike forms.
Romain Fueler works with painting and photography as a means of questioning and expressing his inner state. His paintings combine figurative and abstract forms with softened outlines, depicting fictional landscapes. Far from representing the visible world, his works attempt to translate moments and emotions he has experienced throughout his life.
In his performances captured on film, he questions the idea of normality by confronting established aesthetic norms and redefining the notion of freedom in public space. These three-dimensional works, presented as performances, directly engage with the audience and transform everyday situations through action.
Fueler’s work seeks to open a dialogue about the very definition of identity and social posture rooted in the ordinary. Through his creations, he communicates an urgent desire for expression, as if time were limited in a globalized and standardized society. He uses art as a response to what he considers a harmful atmosphere, creating works that serve as an escape from daily life.
How’s Paris treating you these days?
Paris is fine — there’s always a deep energy around creation and art.
What’s going on in your life at the moment?
I’m working on several art projects at the same time, which is very exciting. There’s a show at Gallery Peralta in Marseille, and I’m preparing my next solo show in Paris for 2026, which will include three-dimensional pieces — something new for me, aside from my outdoor performances.
When I first visited you, your studio was in that incredible building with mirrors, Greek-inspired pillars, and even an empty pool. I remember you mentioned it used to be a studio for porn movies. What’s the story behind that place — how did you find it?
Yes, it’s true — the previous owner used to rent the space out to the porn film industry. It’s strange, but not the worst thing in the end. The studio has its own DNA, and you can feel it. A friend of a friend, as usual, invited me to join the studio. It’s in Stalingrad, which is also quite a special location.
"When you’re a child, death doesn’t mean anything yet."
You’ve spent a lot of time creating in the streets, shaping these beautiful, almost childlike adventures. There’s something dreamlike about your world — it reminds me of the universes we made up as kids when playing with Lego or other toys. I really think your work is one of a kind. How did you develop this style?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a special affection for freaks and the bizarre — in cartoons like Scooby-Doo, Beetlejuice, or in heavy metal album covers by Derek Riggs (the artist behind Iron Maiden’s artwork), and in the skateboarding world. Like most kids from the ’80s, I was influenced by that mix of dark humor and fantasy — evil aesthetics softened by absurdity. When you’re a child, death doesn’t mean anything yet. That sense of not being able to define reality — I think that’s where my style comes from. I hope it helps people take things a little less dramatically.
In the film J'ai Photosynthétisé Mon Manteau, made by Mathias Bones, you say that your public works protect people from poverty, disease, and other hardships. I love that idea — can you share a bit more about the thoughts behind it?
Yes, I think that being open-minded and connected to art can protect us from bad energy. Of course, it’s a very idealistic way of thinking — I know that — but it comes from the childlike awareness I still feel, even in 2025. I still believe in it.
When painting on canvas or paper, your inspiration often comes from traveling and observing nature from above — like looking out an airplane window. Would it be fair to call you a landscape painter?
I think so, even if it’s not always realistic. It’s more of an observational way of reading life — a feeling anchored in a landscape or a specific moment.
What’s your favorite part of Paris — and why?
I love Paris — there are so many different places and energies. Personally, I’m always happy in the chaos of Strasbourg–Saint-Denis.
What kind of music do you listen to while in the studio?
Booba, of course — what else?
What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?
The last advice I gave myself was total bullshit — so I guess I’m still the younger version of myself.
And finally, do you have any upcoming projects we should keep an eye out for?
Yes — the show in Marseille at Gallery Peralta on November 6th, 2025. And of course, our first collaboration: Soulland x Romain Fueler. Full outfit coming soon.
