Today we’d like to introduce you to Claude Charlier.
Hi Claude, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in France, where my childhood was deeply influenced by the study of classical music composition, piano, and fine art—disciplines that continue to shape my artistic vision and aesthetic today.
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to become an artist. At the age of 11, I discovered photography and fell in love with the magic of the darkroom. From that moment on, I knew photography would become my life’s work.
At 16, I left school to work as a photographer and printer for the French government. This opportunity allowed me to expand my technical knowledge, purchase my own photographic equipment, and photograph the President of France as well as other prominent political figures.
At 19, after capturing an exclusive story on the uprising at Charles III Prison in Nancy, I was invited to join the prestigious Paris Match magazine. During this period, I also collaborated with the visionary Japanese writer and director Shuji Terayama of Tenjō Sajiki and renowned theater director Tadashi Suzuki of the Waseda Shōgekijō. Inspired by these experiences, I wrote and directed my own theatrical production, Laurence de Paris.
Although theater became an important part of my creative journey, I eventually realized it was not my true calling. I left Paris and London for Tokyo, beginning a life that would take me around the world.
While living in Japan, I worked in fashion, commercial photography, and filmmaking. I spent a memorable week with Muhammad Ali, hosted several morning television programs for Japanese networks, and helped launch publications including Tokyo Journal, Vu, and G magazines.
Throughout my travels, I developed the habit of collecting crushed soda cans and discarded objects from the streets. My assistants often wondered why I was so fascinated by what most people considered rubbish. At the time, I couldn’t fully explain it myself—I was simply captivated by the unique shape, texture, and history of each crushed can.
Over time, I came to understand that these discarded objects represented more than waste. They carried traces of human presence, memory, and consumption. This realization became the foundation of my RUBBISH series of paintings.
By transforming discarded objects into paintings, I give them a second life. My work is an act of recycling, but it is also an exploration of beauty hidden within the ordinary. Each piece preserves the memories embedded in these everyday objects, inviting viewers to reconsider what we discard and to discover value where others see none.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an artist is a full-time commitment. It’s like riding a permanent roller coaster of ideas and emotions throughout the year. My mind is constantly filled with new concepts, inspirations, and creative possibilities.
Balancing my work as a photographer and film director while trying to find enough time for painting has always been one of my greatest frustrations. There are never enough hours to fully explore all the ideas I want to bring to life. Yet this constant tension between different forms of expression has also enriched my work, allowing each discipline to influence and inspire the others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Working across both fine art photography and painting, I am best known for my black-and-white BODY LANGUAGE fine art photography series, the accompanying book BODY LANGUAGE, and my RUBBISH series of paintings inspired by discarded objects and crushed soda cans.
What sets me apart is my willingness to take risks and continually explore new ideas. Rather than repeating the same work to meet expectations, I believe that an artist should evolve, challenge conventions, and embrace new creative directions. Each new body of work represents a different chapter of my artistic journey, driven by curiosity, experimentation, and the desire to discover new ways of seeing the world.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue innovating, creating new bodies of work, and exhibiting internationally. In the coming years, I also hope to present a major retrospective that reflects the breadth of my artistic journey and the evolution of my work across photography, painting, and film.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.claudecharlier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popworldproject
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@timelessinstants
- Other: popworldproject@yahoo.com
