Théo Levillain
8 JANUARY 2025
A contemporary artist from Bordeaux. Théo works with electronics and sound, and is also interested in the question of absurdity. He is based in Clermont-Ferrand
A contemporary artist from Bordeaux. Théo works with electronics and sound, and is also interested in the question of absurdity. He is based in Clermont-Ferrand
Not the result. I love searching for objects, and I’m not the kind of person who sits and studies. I often find objects in the garbage, and if they fit my project, I use them. I always use materials that cost very little. And when I have the idea, everything turns out exactly as it should.
What is your favourite part of the process and the materials?
What themes and ideas can be seen in your work?
Absurdity. I aim to find fun in absurd things and objects. It’s also about the purpose of electronic objects that make noise or light up. They may be useless, but they have a certain charm. I like when things move. I use plastic, wood, electronic components, copper, and electrical wiring accessories like cable ducts.
I grew up in Bordeaux. My friends inspired me to get into art, so I studied art history. After that, I worked at the Contemporary Art Center in Meymac. I failed a couple of university exams, but later I was accepted into universities in Clermont and Limoges. I chose Clermont because of the artists and the black stone.
Tell us about yourself
It’s a cassette player. It’s the first cassette I owned as a child. I call this piece Relique because you cannot touch it. I wanted to elevate my childhood into a sacred space. I don’t usually talk about myself in my art, except for this piece. I erased my parents' wedding playlist and recorded a song by Sean Paul from Radio Skyrock.
Which of your works is the most significant?
Relique, 2024
I’ve been thinking about this recently. It feels like a family — a small capsule where ideas are exchanged. There are so many artists in Clermont creating contemporary art, and that’s so precious. If I had stayed in Bordeaux, it would have been completely different —I might have felt lost there.
What do you think about the art community in Clermont?
It was easier to collaborate as a student than it is now. I especially enjoyed sharing the atelier with Leo. We are very close, and our works are similar in many ways. I really enjoy working with other artists — I don’t like the image of a lonely artist locked in his chamber.
Do you like working with others?
I worked on electronic sound art, like building a synthesizer and creating broadcasts. I played different instruments. My friends Victor and Leo and I participated in an experimental workshop for a pirate radio podcast featuring an aeolian harp. This instrument works with the wind. We went there to build it and use it for the podcast.
What is your most special experience?
— I aim to find fun in absurd things and objects. I like when things move.
Grelots, 2024
20191219 by Mac DeMarco.
If your art were a music track, what would it be?
The parking lot near Leclerc. There’s such a big variety of cars, and it’s just in front of *La Diode*. I see so many people there when I go to buy something to eat — it’s like a show. Passing through it feels like an experience in itself. The Arboretum de Royat is another place — it’s very calm, and I like to work there.
What places in Clermont do you like the most?
I don’t know. It depends on whether people like it. A piece becomes successful when it means something to a large number of people. For me, I enjoy art that is poetic and shining.
What makes art successful?
Charlie Aubry. He built an interesting object for *La Tôlerie* and is also a musician. I like how he repurposes objects from other students to create sculptures and sound art. I really enjoy this type of sound. Another inspiration is Fabrice Gallis — he taught us how to embrace failure.
Which artists inspire you the most?
3. Fire walk with me, 2024.
2. Nadobranich, 2024.
- Boîte à cassettes, 2024.
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