Charles Boussion

Born in Biarritz in 1925 and also known as Cako, Charles Boussion is a French artist whose painting practice began late in life, after an initial professional life devoted to travelling.

After studying commerce, he became a representative for a perfume company and travelled throughout mainland France and Corsica for thirty years. According to the available biographical account, an accident and depression brought this activity to an end when he was around fifty; he then began to paint, using a painting kit given to him by his wife. He died in 2021.

The tradition of icons informs his artistic universe and provides him with certain iconographic codes: in a series of Madonnas and Child, the figures take on the features of his wife or daughter. Memories of family trips and references to his Basque origins sit alongside abstract motifs that the source likens to Moorish metalwork and illumination. To develop his images, Boussion uses, among other things, various felt-tip pens, pens and highlighters; he also often photocopies his works in order to rework them.

A solo exhibition dedicated to him was held at the Musée de la création franche in Bègles from 5 February to 21 March 2010. Among the documented works is Mosaïque d’enluminures irlando-leyzantines, dated 2005: a mixed-media work on paper mounted on backing paper, measuring 420 × 298 mm. A selection of the artist’s works is presented as coming from the collection of the Collection de l’Art Brut.

Works recorded at auction

Germann

Mosaïque d'enluminures irlando-leyzantines, 2005

Mischtechnik auf Papier auf Unterlagepapier montiert.

Date to be documented

Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed

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