Charly Lehericey
Two thousand nineteen marks Charly Lehericey's debut as a painter. Inspired by the early 20th century and the Roaring Twenties, he revisits the characters of this inspiring period. Self-taught, he breaks down the nature of his characters by combining geometric shapes with clean lines, bringing cohesion and finesse to his singular works.
Charly explores this period further, reinterpreting La Garçonne in 2022. With his more androgynous and hybrid portraits, he leaves much more room for interpretation.
The natural evolution of his artistic universe led him to create a new series entitled Unknown. Still influenced by the 20s, he explores a further introspection of the individual, where faces and masks merge, revealing the complexity of the human being. His portraits have a certain ambivalence, an intrigue that's hard to unravel.
Can you tell us about your artistic journey and what inspired you to become an artist?
I started painting in 2019. Passionate and inspired by the roaring twenties, I randomly saw the Jaune-Rouge-Bleu created by Vassily Kandinsky which changed my vision and perception of Art. I realized we could feel emotions through Art and I realized many things could be conveyed with just paint tubes and brushes.
I therefore, as an autodidact, spent loads of time to understand mediums and techniques to express myself the best way possible on the Canvas.
What themes or concepts do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you?
My Art world is past-oriented, I like to fuse it with the reality of our current/modern society. I explore the multiple facets of the human species highlighting the individuals emotions of the characters as well as the representation of the human condition. The complexity of the human being is an indefinite subject and I basically invite people to question the norms and conventions of our society.
Could you describe your creative process, from ideation to execution? Are there any particular techniques or mediums you prefer?
I went through different creative process until now but I usually start with old photographic portraits. I decomposed the characters based on clean and geometric lines close to the Art Déco before going on canvas.
Even though I spend time drawing before painting, I decide about colors the moment I get my brushes. I use Oil paint in my work and different tools (brushes, knives, masking tape etc…) as I like mixing styles.
How do you find inspiration when faced with creative blocks or challenges in your work?
It’s not easy but I start knowing myself when facing those challenges. Drawing is a crucial aspect of my work, the characters are the subject so it’s really important. I used to get upset because I know if I am on the right way or not. Now, I can see myself going back on old drawings and that comes from the obsession of searching for photographic portraits that inspire me.
Can you highlight a specific piece of your artwork that holds special significance to you and share the story behind it?
I would say the first one, in 2019. I didn’t know anything about Art and paintings but again, the Jaune-Rouge-Bleu of Kandinsky changed my vision of Art. I saw a face in this Artwork and the lines inspired me so much. I then went to buy some brushes and paint (that was a challenge, I didn’t even know what was acrylic or oil paint etc…) and tried to create the face I was seeing in my own way.
Although my Art world and style have evolved with time, the core remains with clean/geometrics lines and faces.
How do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there any new techniques or mediums you're eager to explore?
My work evolves naturally, I work through series and will continue this way. However, I can see my work on bigger format to create an environment around my characters. It’s important to continue growing and I keep searching for new techniques to improve my style.
What role does your personal experiences or background play in influencing your art? Are there cultural or social aspects that often find their way into your work?
I’ve always been creative, I was drawing when I was kid but never went to Art school. Not sure personal experiences have a strong influence in my work but the more I create, the more I know what I want to convey and explore.
Are there any artists, past or present, who have had a significant influence on your artistic style or philosophy?
Yes, I’d say Kandinsky among others like Picasso and Modigliani. But some current artists got an influence in my work as well, I love Adrian Ghenie for instance. I also like very much Jason Boyd Kinsella and Ryan Hewett. They are all very inspiring.
How do you balance the commercial aspects of being an artist with staying true to your creative vision?
It has been difficult at the beginning as you tend to listen people around you and what they like or not. Now, I try to stay true to myself as much as I can and explore what I truly want.
