Arno Elias / Photography

Born in Paris, France, Arno Elias is a French-American multi-talented artist, painter, photographer, musician, filmmaker, and activist.

For nearly three decades, Arno’s driving passion has been to explore innovative ways to create using diverse media. His non-careerist approach has significantly enriched his creativity and fostered a profound sense of artistic freedom.

Arno’s work often delves into philosophical discussions about culture, humanity, and wildlife, using photography and hand-painted photography as his mediums.

From 2007 to 2022, Arno Elias showcased his work in major art fairs and galleries across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Elias spearheaded the global campaign “I’M NOT A TROPHY” to raise awareness about the alarming rate of endangered species extinction worldwide. Collaborating with fashion icon and actress Cara Delevingne and model singer Suki Waterhouse, Elias created a series of striking photographs. The awareness initiative achieved widespread recognition, and Elias was invited to speak at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he discussed animal welfare and sustainable development. 

Before transitioning into a visual artist in 2006, Arno Elias left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a music producer and French singer, Elias composed and produced over 100 songs and numerous albums between 1998 and 2004. He worked with Buddha Bar music, producing and composing notable songs like “Amor Amor” and “Corazon.” Elias also composed the musical score for a United Nations campaign for UNICEF titled “For Every Child,” collaborating with recording artist Shakira. Additionally, he was chosen by Brigitte Bardot to create music for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which aims to protect animals from abuse.

Early life

As the son of a professional musician, Arno began attending music school at a young age. He started playing the guitar, drums, and piano at 12 and quickly developed his songwriting skills. At 18, he entered the fashion industry as a model in Paris, becoming the face of a worldwide campaign for fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. Working with renowned photographers like Mario Testino greatly influenced his artistic direction and fueled his passion for photography.