Meet the artist: Roche Cruchon
The creative mind behind Play’s 2023 Black History Month illustrations is none other than French reunionese artist Roche Cruchon. We spoke with Cruchon about what inspires their work and how they connect through art.
Play: We love the vibrant, dynamic images that you create. What inspires your work?
Roche Cruchon: My work is largely inspired by the abundance of shapes and colours found in nature. It’s all there, and so rich; it’s an infinite source of inspiration.
The environment that I’m in daily is a huge part of what informs how I think about art and what I want to represent. Whether it’s people, places or even different art forms that I come across, I love grasping onto anything in my surroundings.
The environment that I’m in daily is a huge part of what informs how I think about art and what I want to represent. Whether it’s people, places or even different art forms that I come across, I love grasping onto anything in my surroundings.
What’s been the biggest triumph – or the biggest challenge – that you’ve experienced as an artist?
It’s both a triumph and a challenge working as an independent creator. I have to trust myself enough to have my own art at the centre of my career. It’s not always an easy thing to do, and I feel quite lucky to have the opportunity to do that on a daily basis. I’m able to keep on deepening my practice and push it further, and that’s priceless.
This year’s theme for Black History Month is 'It Takes a Village.' Can you tell us a little about your village?
Funnily enough, when thinking of a village we always imagine a physical place. Even then, I believe my village goes way beyond that. It is a sum of all the people and places that have touched me in the past, as well as the present – the moment when I felt seen and understood. I am not a singular person, so my village represents all the different parts of me that are reflected in others, and vice versa.
How do you like to stay connected to them?
Sharing time, space and any moment when we have a chance to connect. That’s sometimes interacting via social media, but it’s also sending gifts at random times of the year, or just spending an afternoon by the sea. It’s mostly about the intention to be together, whether or not there’s physical distance.
Who are some of your favourite Black creators, and why?
There are so many! From the top of my head, I’d say Toyin Ojih Odutola, Tyler Cala, Lanéya 'Billie' Billingsley, Rachelle Baker, Khari Johnson Ricks, and my friend, six, who goes by @sixalien (on Instagram).
I love people who have a unique outlook on life, and I especially admire when they share that unique vision with the world. It demands a lot of confidence and self-discipline to do that, on top of making awesome art! I am super grateful to all of the wonderful artists who show their work and contribute to inspiring one another – that’s really cool.
I love people who have a unique outlook on life, and I especially admire when they share that unique vision with the world. It demands a lot of confidence and self-discipline to do that, on top of making awesome art! I am super grateful to all of the wonderful artists who show their work and contribute to inspiring one another – that’s really cool.
What advice would you give other young artists who are just getting started?
Do what you really, really love, what motivates you, what makes you want to get up in the morning. That is so important. People can feel when we loved making something; it just comes out in the aura of the piece. It’s shared and felt, and the most amazing thing is that it makes people want to see more of it. It’s like gift-giving: Art has to be generous in some form to entertain that cycle. It makes everyone feel great.
