Artist Portrait: Charles Lonjon, a committed artistic exploration
Charles Lonjon: A Rich and Committed Artistic Journey
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 8 at the Atelier Doré in St Cloud. This early immersion in the world of art laid the foundation for his future career. After a period dedicated to other disciplines, it was at the ripe age of 40 that he returned with renewed passion to painting and graphic arts. This late but determined impulse led him to pursue in-depth training in the prestigious Beaux-Arts workshops of the city of Paris. There, he was able to perfect his technique and explore 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 universes, 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 nonetheless remains fascinated by more modern and subversive currents. 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 admirers are renowned contemporary artists such as Marion Peck and Mark Rydden, known for their dreamlike and sometimes disturbing worlds, as well as Patrick Woodroffe, master of fantastical imagination. He also expresses great admiration for the works of Polish painters Zdzislaw Beksinski and Wojtek Siudmak, famous 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 images, and a touch of bold modernity that captivates the eye.
The Work of Charles Lonjon: A Reflection on Society and Counter-Culture
Charles Lonjon is distinguished by a profound artistic commitment, fueled by his unwavering love for counterculture and the rebellious spirit of the 1970s movements. His paintings are not mere representations; they constitute a true exploration of the social, political, and cultural issues of our time. Through his works, he invites the viewer to critically and introspectively reflect on the world around us. He has developed several series of works, each addressing themes close to his heart, from the critique of systems of power to reflections on the individual in modern society, while maintaining a strong and immediately recognizable visual signature. The use of vivid colors, bold compositions, and a remarkable sense of detail give 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 powerful perspective on the contemporary world.
Discover the notable works of Charles Lonjon
Among his rich artistic output, several works demonstrate the depth and diversity of his talent. The painting Bienvenue au club Mr Putin / welcome to the club Mr Putin!, a powerful and committed piece with the imposing dimensions of 84cm x 113cm, addresses contemporary political themes with striking relevance and the striking visual signature of Charles Lonjon. This work challenges and invites reflection on the state of the world today.
George at the Circus , a 23cm x 47cm panel, 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 musical icon.
As a testament to his admiration for music legends, Hello Charlie , a 45cm x 52cm work, presents itself as 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, LONG LANDS No. 2 , one of 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 advances, capturing the essence of Charles Lonjon's visionary creativity.
An Artist to Discover and Follow
Charles Lonjon embodies the committed contemporary artist, one who uses his talent to question the world and provoke reflection. His atypical career path, his eclectic influences, and his clear-eyed view of society make him a key artistic figure. His works, both aesthetically powerful and full of meaning, continue to fascinate and challenge. Our gallery is proud to present a selection of his works, offering the public the opportunity to discover or rediscover the unique universe of Charles Lonjon, an artist who brilliantly combined academic rigor with a free and bold artistic expression.