PG: No. I didn’t know what an artist was until much later when I was introduced to art museums. I knew I had some visual skills and interest, but that’s not enough to be an artist.

The French saying “sage comme une image” (quiet as a picture) describes well-behaved children. I wasn’t exactly “sage,” but I was busy making images and things. My family moved from Algeria to France after the War of Independence. As a toddler, I observed the adults adapting to their new life while I explored the world without modern distractions, relying on my imagination and developing a keen sense of observation.

I began collecting small objects—pebbles, pinecones, stickers, and even candy, fascinated by their colors and shapes. I organized them into specific arrangements, unknowingly creating mini site- specific installations. By middle school, I chose graphic design over fine art, seeking financial independence. After graduating, I collaborated with French cultural institutions, diving into my career with enthusiasm.

A decade later, I moved to New York for a sabbatical that turned into a full-time stay. As I tried to settle into this new culture—whose language I had yet to learn—I found myself overwhelmed by the city’s vibrant energy, the visual chaos, and the abundance of its museums. In an attempt to make sense of it all, I reconnected with drawing. Since then, I haven’t put down the pen, brush, or camera.