Artist Portrait: Charles Lonjon, a committed artistic exploration
Charles Lonjon: A rich and committed artistic career
Born in 1964, Charles Lonjon is a multifaceted artist: painter, musician, and lawyer. His artistic journey began in childhood with academic drawing at the age of eight at the Atelier Doré in Saint-Cloud. This early immersion in the art world laid the foundation for his future career. After a period dedicated to other disciplines, he returned to painting and graphic arts with renewed passion at the age of 40. This late but determined impulse led him to pursue advanced training at the prestigious Beaux-Arts workshops in Paris. There, he refined his technique and explored new creative avenues. This solid training, combined with an insatiable curiosity and open-mindedness, forged his style, propelling him onto the contemporary art scene.
Influences and inspirations of a visionary artist
Charles Lonjon draws his inspiration from a kaleidoscope of artistic worlds, creating a rich and eclectic body of work. Deeply influenced by the mastery and depth of the Italian primitives and the great classical masters, he remains equally fascinated by more modern and subversive movements. Surrealism, with its exploration of the unconscious and dreams, and the Pop Art/Lowbrow movement, which merges popular culture and graphic art, exert a considerable influence on his artistic vision. Among his admirations are renowned contemporary artists such as Marion Peck and Mark Rydden, known for their dreamlike and sometimes unsettling worlds, as well as Patrick Woodroffe, a master of the fantastic imagination. He also expresses great admiration for the works of Polish painters Zdzislaw Beksinski and Wojtek Siudmak, renowned for their dystopian visions and dreamlike landscapes, as well as for the work of Czech painter Zdenek Burian, a pioneer of prehistoric and science-fiction illustrations. These diverse influences result in a body of work that transcends eras and genres, skillfully blending classicism, dreamlike imagery, and a touch of bold modernity that captivates the viewer.
The Work of Charles Lonjon: A Reflection on Society and Counterculture
Charles Lonjon is distinguished by his profound artistic commitment, fueled by his unwavering love for counterculture and the rebellious spirit of the 1970s movements. His canvases are not mere representations; they constitute a genuine exploration of the social, political, and cultural issues of our time. Through his works, he invites the viewer to a critical and introspective reflection on the world around us. He develops several series of works, each addressing themes close to his heart, from critiques of power structures to reflections on the individual in modern society, all while maintaining a strong and immediately recognizable visual signature. The use of vibrant colors, bold compositions, and a remarkable attention to detail lend his paintings a unique narrative and emotional power.
Our gallery is honored to present the exceptional work of this mature and talented artist, who lives and creates in France, bringing a unique and impactful perspective to the contemporary world.
Discover some of Charles Lonjon's most remarkable works
Among his rich artistic output, several works testify to the depth and diversity of his talent. The painting "Welcome to the Club Mr. Putin!" , a powerful and politically engaged piece measuring an imposing 84cm x 113cm, addresses contemporary political themes with striking relevance and the impactful visual signature characteristic of Charles Lonjon. This work challenges and invites reflection on the current state of the world.
The artwork "George at the Circus ," a panel measuring 23cm x 47cm, is part of a fascinating series exploring the iconic world of the Beatles. In this panel, Charles Lonjon transposes George Harrison into a surreal and unexpected landscape, offering a unique and imaginative visual interpretation of a music icon.
As a testament to his admiration for music legends, Hello Charlie , a 45cm x 52cm artwork, is a vibrant and moving portrait dedicated to the memory of Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of the Rolling Stones. It is a sincere tribute to his talent and his impact on the world of music.
Finally, the LONG LANDS series no. 2 , one of the five paintings in the "long land" series, offers a striking 72cm x 100cm vision, contrasting microscopic humans in a science-fiction landscape. This work invites reflection on humanity's place in the face of immensity and technological advancements, capturing the essence of Charles Lonjon's visionary creativity.
An artist to discover and follow
Charles Lonjon embodies the engaged contemporary artist, one who uses his talent to question the world and provoke thought. His unconventional career path, eclectic influences, and clear-sighted view of society make him an essential artistic figure. His works, both aesthetically powerful and rich in meaning, continue to fascinate and challenge. Our gallery is proud to present a selection of his work, offering the public the opportunity to discover or rediscover the unique world of Charles Lonjon, an artist who has brilliantly combined academic rigor with a free and audacious artistic expression.