Bora Bora Art Gallery & Artist Studio
Alain Despert
Special Projects
1990 ABSOLUT
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. The image appeared in many international magazines.
“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”
-Sir Michel Roux, CEO Carillon Importers, Ltd.
1997 BEST BUDDIES
Alain Despert created a painting for Best Buddies. At that time he was just finishing his Santa Fe Series. The image 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 to help raise funds for this important cause. 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. Other artists who have contributed include: Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Julian Schnabel, Robert Rauschenberg and Jim Dine.
1998 GATA
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.
GATA was formed to help 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.
Edition of 300 - 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 image was use for the invitation to the event
“The Dance” represents all those joining together to help the cause for awareness, research and prevention of AIDS.
1990 ABSENTE
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.
(the image also appeared on the back of the Absente box)
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 ARTS DISTRICT 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 - 2011 INTERNATIONAL TAHITI PEARL REGATTA
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.
2007 ST. REGIS BORA BORA - VIP Welcome Pack
The St. Regis Bora Bora selected 9 recipes that were created by the famous Chef Jean-Georges for the resort's Lagoon Restaurant. Alain illustrated each of the recipes. They were reproduced in a special card pack the was placed in each VIP room upon check-in.
2008 ST. REGIS BORA BORA - Polynesian Gods & Goddesses
Alain created a series of 7 Polynesian Gods & Goddess paintings exclusively for the St. Regis Bora Bora. Each image was reproduced in large postcard format with the legend written on the back. A different card was put in each guest room every night of the week.
2010 SUPERYACHT PROJECT
Alain Despert was commissioned by the owner of a new 85m (280ft.) superyacht to create the predominant artwork for his yacht. Alain's painting was reproduced in glass and backlit to create a dramatic effect in the main salon. Several other paintings were selected from the artist's studio and displayed throughout the yacht.
2012 CAFFE CORDINA MALTA
Alain Despert was commissioned by the owner of the most beautiful and prestigious Caffe Cordina in Valletta, Malta to create a painting in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the iconic cafe. The painting was unveiled by His Excellency, Dr. George H. Abela, President of Malta, at the ceremony to commemorate the event. The painting is permanently installed on the walls this historic building, formerly the Treasury of the Order of the Knights of St. John.
2019 ST. REGIS BORA BORA PERMANENT INSTALLATION
Three of Alain's painting were combined and reproduced to create an impressive installation at the resort measuring 3 by 13 feet (90 by 400cm).
2019 ST. REGIS BORA BORA
Alain created a special painting for the in-room dining project. The image was reproduced on a card that is placed on the tray each time a guest orders in-room dining.
2020 FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA PERMANENT INSTALLATION
A large reproduction of a Despert fish painting is installed in the check-in waiting lounge at the Four Seasons Bora Bora to greet guests upon arrival. The installation measures 3.5 by 7.25 feet (110 by 222cm).
CORPORATE AND PRIVATE COMMISSIONS
Alain has accepted many commission over the years, both from private and corporate collectors. For example below, The Beachcomber InterContinental Hotels commissioned Despert to create a painting of each property.
InterContinental Moorea
InterContinental Bora Bora
InterContinental Tahiti
A private collector commissioned Despert 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 create it!
