1990 ABSOLUT

      In 1990, Alain Despert’s image of the Absolut bottle floating in the lagoon of Bora Bora was selected for the world famous Absolut Vodka advertising campaign.

“As we stand on the brink of a new century, new forms of expression are being created all around us. We are in fact witnessing an explosion of creativity unrivaled in our time. Absolut has chosen these artists because they are on the  forefront of this activity”   -Michel Roux, CEO Carillon Importers, Ltd.

1997 Best Buddies

      In 1997, Alain Despert was the artist chosen by the Best Buddies foundation to be included in the Fine Art Collection. The other 11 artists selected over the years include Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Jim Dine and others.

At that time, Alain was just finishing his Santa Fe Series.  The image he created for Best Buddies depicts two Native American friends wrapped warmly together and surrounded by layers of hearts. The original painting was donated to the foundation and the image was produced as a limited edition, 14 color lithograph and helps raise funds for the organization. Best Buddies is an international organization that was founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. The mission of Best Buddies is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

To acquire this image, contact: www.bestbuddies.org 

1998 GATA

      In 1998, Alain was asked to create an image for GATA to help raise funds for the non-profit organization. This image was produced as a limited edition of 300 prints to help raise funds for the organization. 

GATA was formed to release the suppressed price of Gold. As a result, thousands of people suffering in South Africa will be able to return to work in the mines and lift their families out of  poverty and disease.

To acquire this image contact:  www.GATA.org  (complete edition SOLD OUT)

2000 Midwest Aids Prevention Project

     Alain Despert has generously contributed to many worthwhile causes. In 2000, he created this original painting, titled “The Dance” to be auctioned at the annual Midwest Aids Prevention Project event held at the Ford Mansion in Detroit, Michigan. “The Dance” represents all those joining together to help the cause for awareness, research and prevention of AIDS.

2001 ABSENTE

      In 2001, Absolut marketing genius, Michel Roux, contacted Alain Despert to once again help introduce a new product, ABSENTE. Alain created a painting of “The Green Fairy” with her head resting gently on the Absente bottle. The full page ad ran in magazines such as Cigar Aficionado and Wine Spectator. Alain chose the green fairy subject to represent the hallucination that many reported seeing after experiencing the original version of Absente (since banned) during the early 1900 Paris café society days. To acquire this image contact:  www.absente.com            

2001 Dallas Mural

      The Fairmont at the Arts District Hotel in Dallas (located one block from the Dallas Museum of Art) commissioned the artist to paint a large scale (300 sq. meters) outdoor mural. The mural is located in the center of the terrace level of the hotel between the pool and gardens where many weddings, private parties and special events are held. Alain chose the theme of “White Flowers” to enhance the elegance of the special occasions. The striking White Flowers can be seen from many skyscrapers in the heart of Dallas and from several freeways downtown.

 2004 The Dalai Lama Project

      Alain Despert created this painting to help sponsor “The Missing Peace”, a worldwide museum exhibition designed to educate the public on the Dalai Lama’s ideas and efforts for world peace and the alleviation of human suffering.

This image titled “From Darkness to Light” depicts His Holiness holding a single lotus petal that blossoms into a full flower. The artist sends a message that tells people “by holding a single thought in the light, you can help change the world”.  The exhibition, commencing in 2006, will travel from New York to Los Angeles, London, Paris, Spain and many other selected venues.

For more information contact:  www.dalailamaportrait.org

2004 - 2008 International Tahiti Pearl Regatta

     In 2004, Alain Despert was selected as the official artist for the Tahiti Pearl Regatta. He created a painting of a beautiful vahine (Tahitian for woman) blowing wind against the sail of a boat decorated with flags from various countries. This image was used to create a poster for the event. The poster was displayed in yacht clubs around the world to help promote the regatta. The image was so much in demand that the regatta sponsors used it again for 2005 and have continued to use it each year. For more information contact: www.tahitipearlregatta.org.pf

Corporate and Private Commissions 

Alain Despert has accepted many commissions over the years, from both private and corporate collectors.  For example (above): The Beachcomber InterContinental Hotels commissioned Alain to create a painting of each property, Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti.

Another example (below): A private collector commissioned Alain to create a triptych of classic cars based on his “Cars of the Fifties” series.  If it is a subject that inspires him, Alain will most likely accept the commission (based on his schedule at the time).