Nikola Tesla's Portrait on Newspapers: French Artist Hervé Alexandre’s Tribute to a Visionary

French artist Hervé Alexandre, renowned for his captivating newspaper portraits, has paid homage to one of the greatest inventors of all time, Nikola Tesla. Using his signature medium of painted newspapers, Alexandre captures Tesla's brilliance while celebrating the historical and cultural context that defined his era.

Based near Paris but constantly on the move, Alexandre draws energy and inspiration from his extensive travels. Whether he is painting portraits of the people he meets or capturing the essence of a culture, his work bridges the gap between memory and history, personal and universal.

A Unique Medium for a Visionary Figure

Hervé Alexandre began painting on newspapers in 2021 during a visit to Latvia, and it has since become one of his most defining artistic expressions. For him, newspapers are more than paper—they are carriers of culture, language, and memory.

"Painting on newspapers, especially of people I have met or admired, is a way to strengthen the connection between art and history," Alexandre explains.

This medium is particularly fitting for a figure like Tesla, who had a profound appreciation for newspapers and the media of his time. Tesla not only enjoyed engaging with journalists but also left behind a significant collection of press clippings. These clippings, part of Tesla’s personal legacy, offer a glimpse into the public and professional reception he received during his lifetime.

Tesla’s collection of press clippings, which includes annotated and unannotated articles, bound volumes, and entire newspaper issues, reflects his keen interest in the social and scientific dialogues of his era. Through these clippings, we gain insight into his intellectual pursuits and the impact he made on the world. By painting Tesla on a newspaper, Alexandre pays tribute to this unique aspect of the inventor’s legacy.

From Personal Journeys to Global Exhibitions

With over 50 years of painting experience and travels to nearly 100 countries, Hervé Alexandre has developed a deep connection between art and exploration. His newspaper portraits have taken him to diverse settings, from a tribal village in Rajasthan, India, to the galleries of Paris.

In Armenia, he was invited by the National Center of Aesthetics to hold master classes and exhibitions, inspiring students to embrace this innovative art form. Most recently, his works were showcased at L-Gallery in Paris, where audiences marveled at his ability to blend contemporary portraiture with historical narratives.

Bringing Tesla to Life Through Art

By painting Tesla on a newspaper, Alexandre bridges the past and present, highlighting the inventor’s enduring legacy. Tesla’s love for newspapers and the press makes this portrait especially meaningful, Alexandre shares.

"Through this work, I want to honor not only Tesla’s genius but also his relationship with the media and the cultural conversations of his time."

Looking ahead, Alexandre is eager to share his newspaper art with new audiences. This medium is easy to transport and display, making it ideal for exhibitions anywhere in the world.