First Uk Exhibition of French activist & reformed convict who harnessed the power of art to turn his life around
D'Stassi Art is thrilled to announce the first ever UK solo exhibition of iconic French painter Didier Chamizo, titled Rebel Soul. Didier Chamizo’s UK Debut show will be revealed with an opening night on 7th June, with a rare appearance by Chamizo.
Opening on 7th June 2024 at D’Stassi Art in London’s Shoreditch, the exhibition showcases 19 vivid figurative portraits and a custom Harley Davidson hand-painted by Chamizo. Inspired by lettrism, a unique alternative to graffiti and tag art, Chamizo is renowned for creating lettric abstraction-figuration, a style marked by raw, untamed expression and deep emotional truths.
To be an artist with expression is one thing, but to be an artist with a story is another. Chamizo is an artist in the most authentic sense, his art informing his life and life informing his art. His life is a life lived to the fullest. However, Chamizo is more than a living example of the trope of a suffering artist: his art was born out of experiences that most people wouldn’t live through in a lifetime, but he channelled these experiences into visceral narratives that jump out of the canvas. As the saying goes, 'You never know what you know until you do what you've never been told.' This sentiment sets an artist on a path to iconism. 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: “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 rock 'n' roll, from The Rolling Stones and The Clash to The Beatles, this feels like a full-circle moment 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.”
Didier Chamizo: Rebel Soul will be 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.
Exhibition dates: 7th June, 2024 for 3 weeks.
Gallery details: D’Stassi Art 12-18 Hoxton Street (Entrance on Drysdale St) London N1 6NG
Further Information: DIDIER CHAMIZO - UK DEBUT 'REBEL SOUL'