Biography

Started to paint at the age of 10 with the teachings of his father Roger Charoux. Undertook painting courses through Serge Constantin at the Plaza theatre at the age of 13. Joined the Saturday group of painters founded by Serge Constantin & other artists.

After a pause & studies abroad in Interior Design, he joined again the same group of painters whose members are today Jocelyn Thomasse, David Constantin, Roger Charoux & a few other artists.

Now paints regularly since 1998.

On the lookout for structured subjects, historical buildings & sites as well as subjects depicting typical life scenes, which explains his fondness for Port-Louis with its rich patrimony, but also the Port & the Country-side.

His means of expression is achieved through figurative Art which he prefers to Contemporary Art, although he admires the latter for its research. He works mostly with Water colours, although he sometimes takes out his oil paints& boards.

Bernard Charoux.
Born,lives & works in Mauritius.

Education.

Painting course by Lecturer of Slade University U.K. 2002.
Boston House College, South Africa (Interior Design) 1991-1992.
I.C.S school, commercial Art (Graphic Design) 1988-1989.

Exhibition.

Port Louis, Vizions d’Artistes, Galerie Ilha Do Cirné 2017.
Group exhibition at “L’Atelier Art pour tous” – Phoenix 2017.
Co participated with Roger Charoux in a group exhibition for The Third Dot – Metaform – 2016, sponsored by Rogers Capital.
Watercolour workshop with Milind Mulick 2016.
Group exhibition at Mon Repos, Pamplemousses for World Watercolour day, IWS ( International Watercolour Society) 2016.
Solo exhibition at Colour Attitude Gallery 2012.
Group exhibition/Auction sale for Mauritius Round Table at Touessrok hotel 2010.

Group exhibition at “Galerie de L’Aube”, Floréal 2010.
Group exhibition at “Centre Culturel d’Expression Française” 2007.
Group exhibition at Pavillon de L’Emyrne 2007.
Group exhibition/Auction sale for Terre De Paix foundation 2005.
Solo exhibition at Helene de Senneville Gallery 2004.
“First Triennal of Contemporary Art of Indian Ocean” 2002.
Group exhibition at the Grand Bay yatch club.

Short History.

My objective is to capture the atmosphere of a given moment by recreating what inspires me most in a landscape through my own interpretation & sensitivity, rather than attempting to textually copy what nature has to offer.
At the end of the day, what matters most in achieving a successful watercolour is its composition & spontaneous work. It should be more about taking out, rather than adding things in.

I always say that art is a journey rather than a destination.

My favourite quote: “Less is more”.

—
Mon objectif étant de capturer l’atmosphère éphemère du moment, en interpretant ce qui m’inspire le plus de la nature et en retenant l’essentiel dans ma démarche pictural, plutot que de copier les choses textuellement.
Au final, ce qui est selon moi d’une importance capital pour une aquarelle reussi, c’est une bonne composition dans le dessin, ainsi que du travail spontané. Cela passe souvent par la necessité d’enlever, plutot que d’ajouter des elements au travail.

Je dis souvent que l’Art est un parcours plutot q’une destination.

Vision de Port Louis

Port Louis et ses recoins possèdent une atmosphere special ou son histoire est encore trés visible.

Je recherche tres souvent de petites ruelles bien structurés faisant la part belle aux anciennes batisses avec ses scenes de vie que nous voyons hélas disparaître rapidement. Les habitations qui a l’époque étaient construites de façon a s’ouvrir directement sur le trottoir me facine avec leurs ombres portées propice a une aquarelle.

Comment peindre Port-Louis d’autre part sans son port et ses navires, remorques et autres bateaux de pêches. Le sujet change constament ainsi que les nuances au gré des heures et ce sont ces moments éphemères que je tente de capturer et interpreter a travers mon oeil d’artiste.

Bernard Charoux.
28 March 2017.