Self-Portrait 21.49 Painting

Contemporary French Artist – Algorithm-Guided Drawing and Emotional Abstraction. Arthur Hent (b. 1973) is a contemporary artist based in Nantes, France. His work explores the intersection of hand-drawn abstraction and algorithmic structure, resulting in powerful, minimalist compositions that reflect his inner emotional states. For over fifteen years, Hent has developed a unique technique: he creates each drawing by hand while following a strict protocol dictated by an algorithm he designed himself. Starting from the center of the page, he builds forms outward—creating organic, geometric structures that serve as abstract self-portraits. His inspiration ranges from ancient art forms, like the Lapita pottery patterns he discovered in New Caledonia, to digital systems and coded languages. His work reflects on the relationship between human emotion, memory, and the influence of technology. In 2017, he was featured in a publication by the Benetton Foundation highlighting emerging contemporary artists in France. His work is held in private collections worldwide, including in Paris, Berlin, New York, and Singapore.