Belgian sculptor and painter Harold Ancart’s rise to art-world stardom was unexpected—perhaps most of all by the artist himself. Growing up in Brussels, where he was inspired by local comic creators Hergé and Peyo, Ancart spent his free time doodling Tintin and the Smurfs.Yet he couldn’t imagine following in his heroes’ footsteps: “I never really wanted to become a painter, or an artist, because I was terrified of striving, and struggling, and poverty,” he bluntly told Interview Magazine in 2020. “I rather saw myself as a diplomat or someone that travels the world.”
Today, Ancart gets the best of both worlds, flying from London to Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Berlin to exhibit his semi-abstract work—which has sold for seven figures at Sotheby’s. This week, Ancart landed in Paris for his latest show at Gagosian at Rue de Ponthieu. Ever so generously, le diplomate details how he lives well at cruising altitude.
What do you wear to the airport?
What I normally wear.
How long before your flight boards do you get to the airport?
I get there right on time.
Check bags, or carry-on only?
Carry-on.
What do you bring in your carry-on?
That is nobody’s business.
T.S.A. PreCheck, or regular?
Regular.
What do you buy in the airport terminal?
Comics [books].
What do you do while waiting to board?
I look at the planes.
First class or coach?
First class, baby.
Window, middle, or aisle seat?
Window.
Movies, TV, reading, sleeping, or working on a plane?
All of the above.
Do you buy Wi-Fi?
Fuck no.
Best plane food you’ve ever had?
Singapore Airlines chicken satay.
Best drink to get on a flight?
Hot water with lemon.
Do you talk to the people sitting next to you?
Briefly.
Keep shoes on or off on the plane?
I take them off when I try to get some sleep.
What do you do when turbulence hits?
Pray.
Worst part of the flight?
Going through security.
First thing you do when the plane lands?
Call Mom.
Advice for travelers?
Sit back and relax.
