Charps

If you have not yet discovered the paintings and “character sculptures” of Willy CHARPS, you are about to get a ticket for a lovely, imaginatively poetic journey, which will take you to a world that should not leave you indifferent. Conversely, if the memories of his works still dance before your eyes before or while you turn the pages, it is a safe bet that your emotions and feelings will naturally rise to the surface of your conscious and unconscious. | Regardless, as is often said: “it’s always better in real life”! In reality, you immerse yourself in a universe oscillating between past and present, between heaven and earth, constantly nourished by positive thinking, tenderness and love. These precious engines of life, which are so often missing in the reality we live in. Nourish yourself on these good and beautiful moments so simple, so pure, without fearing any disruption, this form of abundance being inexhaustible here! In the pictorial creation, capture the glances of these large eyes, full of reflection as much as reverie, see how endearing their human owners are, how their slender face perched on their long neck, is in perfect alignment with the collars and ruffs of the outfits and costumes of fine elegance! These beings evolve in space towards an infinite elsewhere. Their slender fingers animate objects and animals, which under their domination seem to move as if by magic. The exterior and interior decorations, deliciously enriched with abundant details, exude warmth, comfort and serenity. All this is bathed in a harmony of shimmering colors with cleverly studied contrasts and values. | However, within this idyllic atmosphere, warrior accessories slip from time to time: sword, bomb, cannon... or mechanical: transport devices, cranks, casters, pedals... evoking more or less glorious events or periods. Through these, Willy CHARPS tells us that while creating for his pleasure, he is aware of the evils of our world such as war, pollution and progress that is sometimes difficult to control. Regarding the latter, it is even probable that a touch of nostalgia discreetly hovers over this quiet universe. | Since 2016, the 3D universe of “character sculptures” has been announced, animating the surrounding volumes. Living subjects come out of the paintings to experience other existences, other stories in the great bubble of space. They are no longer contained in the frame and are exposed, even more accessible. In this other cosmos, they can be carried, touched, caressed. Their immense eyes increase expressions, actions and attitudes tenfold. In plaster, resin or bronze, patinated in blue, red, gray, brown, white, whatever, they send us back to our states of mind: melancholy, anger, reverie, empathy, astonishment, compassion, but also to this that we are, could or would like to become: swimmer, miss, clown, aviator… | Among them, the so-called “faithful companions”: the dog and the cat, indulge in wordless discourse with astonishing reality. The snail tries to rescue from a dangerous situation, such as escaping from the lady's foot, just above her shell. The horse, the bird, the chicken and other creatures of the animal kingdom have for the moment remained on their pictorial page. Maybe they will come out one day too? The world of Willy CHARPS evolves in perpetual movement. It is very pleasant to let ourselves be transported to other times, other skies, while taking into our hearts the breath of memories that are as pleasant as they are surprising. | Anita DECAESTEKER