French artist Didier Chamizo unveils first UK solo show at D'Stassi Art in London
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Wednesday, November 13, 2024


French artist Didier Chamizo unveils first UK solo show at D'Stassi Art in London
Installation view.



LONDON.- Didier Chamizo ‘Rebel Soul’ opened on 7th June at D’Stassi Art in London and is the first UK solo show of the French activist and former prisoner turned artist. Didier Chamizo began painting in prison and harnessed the power of art to turn his life around. His vibrant paintings caught the attention of Alain Dominique Perrin, Founder and President of the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art and his work is now widely collected and exhibited.

‘Rebel Soul’ at D’Stassi Art features 19 of Chamizo’s figurative portraits in a vivid palette, inspired by lettrism, a unique alternative to graffiti and tag art, as well as a custom Harley Davidson hand-painted by the artist, which will be auctioned off for charity. Chamizo’s style is known as 'lettric abstraction-figuration’, and is characterised by raw expression stemming from a colourful life of activism, incarceration, reform and creation. Chamizo epitomizes the blend of art and lived experience. His work is an emblem of his turbulent journey, filled with political activism, personal tragedy, and relentless creativity.

Didier Chamizo says: “I am thrilled to announce my debut exhibition at D'Stassi Gallery, a milestone in my journey as an artist. This opportunity has been made possible through a serendipitous encounter with Alex Kolster, founder of Henrik Alexander, whose instant connection and shared vision led us to this moment. Despite a tumultuous life marked by near-death experiences, brushes with crime, and time spent in prison, I've been fortunate to pursue my dreams freely. Yet, showcasing my work in the UK feels like one of those special bucket list moments I never dared to expect. As a lifelong fan of British for me. I am immensely grateful to Alex Kolster and the guys from D’Stassi Galerie, Ed Sanders and Mike Howes for their passion and dedication in organising this show. Their youth, ambition, and enthusiasm are truly inspiring, and I cannot wait to share my art with the people of the United Kingdom.” rock 'n' roll, from The Rolling Stones and The Clash to The Beatles, this feels like a full-circle moment.

A documentary about Chamizo is currently in production with Arte TV in France, where Chamizo’s art is collected by art world insiders including the Cartier Foundation, French singer-songwriter Hugues Aufray, French rapper and actor Didier Morville (better known by his stage name JoeyStarr), actress Marisa Berenson, French singer- songwriter Renaud, and Taittinger President Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger.

Didier Chamizo was born into poverty in Cahors, France, on 15th October 1951 and his early life was marked by stark contradictions and intense transformations. He left school at 13 and pursued his passion for art through evening classes. His involvement in the May 1968 protests in France catapulted him into a life defined by rebellion and defiance. He participated in demonstrations against nuclear power, the Vietnam War, and advocated for women's liberation. Chamizo's activism led him to the arms trade and eventual imprisonment, where he spent time channelling his existential angst and very real experiences into his art and went on to sell out art exhibitions from his prison cell. Chamizo was involved in a severe motorcycle accident in 1982 that resulted in serious injury, but despite facing numerous challenges, including multiple imprisonments and, Chamizo's art continued to flourish. Chamizo was released from prison in 1991, and since his release he has pursued an international career, exhibiting alongside notable artists such as Matta, Combas, César, Arman, Nikki de Saint-Phalle, Tinguely, and Jeff Koons. He continues to hold exhibitions in various French cities, including his hometown, and is involved in humanitarian and educational initiatives focusing on issues like AIDS, human rights, and projects in Africa and Indonesia.

Ed Sanders & Michael Howes, Founders of D’Stassi Art comment: "Every once in a while, things seem to line up extraordinarily; having known Alex Kolster (Didier's friend and manager) for most of my life, for him to bring Didier and his utterly incredible story to our attention couldn't be more perfect. Michael and I started working in art to primarily act as storytellers through our passion for particular artists and their fascinating life stories. Didier is no exception. His artwork is awe-inspiring, political, thought-provoking, and still cool and fun. I consider it a privilege to host his UK debut and to have the man himself over to the UK to experience how D'Stassi Art put on a show."

Chamizo's art, shaped by his chaotic yet resilient life, challenges societal norms and explores a wide range of themes from consumerism to social and political issues, his legacy continues to inspire, raising profound questions about redemption, personal transformation, and the role of art in societal healing. His vivid figurative portraits critique the human condition, reflecting the gritty textures of his past.

Despite his acclaim, Chamizo has always shunned the public spotlight. Interviews are rare, and public appearances are even rarer. His reclusiveness has only added to his mystique, fuelling speculation about the man behind the masterpieces. Some say his reclusiveness reflects a deep-seated discomfort with the art world's commercialism and self-serving nature; others believe it is a deliberate choice to let his work speak for itself, free from biases and preconceptions. His close relationship with Alex Kolster, the owner of Henrik Alexander management agency, led to Rebel Soul coming together; their close connection also prompted Chamizo to step out for the London exhibition.

Didier Chamizo: Rebel Soul is a rare opportunity to experience the raw talent of one of the most intriguing, unexpected and collectable artists to come out of France in recent history. The exhibition at D’STASSI Art has been made possible through an introduction by Didier’s agent Henrik Alexander.

Alain-Dominique Perrin (Founder & President of the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art) says: “Didier belongs to a category of artists who have a very strong and humourist look on society and the world of today. Sometimes he's very sarcastic, even stronger, and that to me is his main interest. Technically he's very gifted with hands, paint, brush or pencil. He can show anybody he has seen or met very fast, he's really very good. Now, to conclude, if you don't go to the exhibition, go to hell, okay!”










Today's News

June 13, 2024

Amid outcry, Academy Museum to revise exhibit on Hollywood's Jewish roots

How Venice might remake itself as a contemporary art hub

A Venice show pays tribute to Jean Cocteau, the maverick artist

Philip Guston's teenage drawings reveal a lost world of funny pages

Vandals splash graffiti on homes of Jewish leaders of Brooklyn Museum

Mennour now collaborates with the Estate of Huguette Caland

Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art announces new publication featuring renowned ceramics collection

Want to succeed as an artist? Click here.

New sculptural ceramics by Danish artist Merete Rasmussen on view at Pangolin London

Was this sea creature our ancestor? Scientists turn a famous fossil on its head.

French artist Didier Chamizo unveils first UK solo show at D'Stassi Art in London

Italian artist Sofia Cacciapaglia opens exhibition at Sapar Contemporary

Sarah Ganz Blythe appointed director of Harvard Art Museums

Gardiner Museum welcomes first Curator of Indigenous Ceramics, Franchesca Hebert-Spence

He's got baby fever: A trans choreographer's surrogacy journey

All in the details: Tony-nominated set designers on getting it right

Françoise Hardy, moody French pop star, dies at 80

Drawing Room opens Nora Schattauer's first solo exhibition

Zoumboulakis Contemporary Art opens "Wow Pow! Bam! Comics and Painting, A Meeting at the End of the 20th century"

Sworders to offer items from the estate of architect and interior designer Max Clendinning

Work begins to restore roof at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

For women in architecture, it's a time of 'catching up'

Can art save the world? Or is that too much to ask?

On Broadway, 'Suffs' has a new tune (and 6 Tony nominations)

How Streamlined Expense Management can Improve Productivity

What is Ytmp3, and how does it convert YouTube videos to MP3?

Why Does It Seem Sensible To Play Slot Games Online?

When are the Perfect Spots in The Month to do Bird Watching in San Juan Island with Sea Quest Kayak Tours

Transcending Eras: The Design Revolution of Ryan Hua and His Three Innovative Projects

How to choose reputable online casino for safety playing

AI Headshots: The Future of Professional Portraits

Efficiency of Using a Heat Pump For Heating a Country House

New Dials for the Replica Rolex Day-Date 40 and 36

Keeping Your Cool: Understanding Hot Flashes During Menopause

Expert Tips for Safeguarding Your Basement Against Water Damage




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 



Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)
Editor & Publisher: Jose Villarreal
Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez
Writer: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Attorneys
Truck Accident Attorneys
Accident Attorneys
Holistic Dentist
Abogado de accidentes
สล็อต
สล็อตเว็บตรง

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org juncodelavega.com facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
to a Mexican poet.
Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site Parroquia Natividad del Señor
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful