EXTRACT FROM DE REVIEW OF ART “LE PARCOURS” Sixteen pages report of Charles Carson … publication december 2003, by Robert Bernier, art writer and publisher.

« Charles Carson’s painting is divided into two approaches which are both distinct and complimentary. One was even named “*Carsonism” by some art critics and historians. This approach is not easy to describe, but generally speaking it is composed of an infinite succession of slightly oblique strokes which, on the surface, add maximum energy to our perception of theme and subject, with the whole being animated through subtle transparencies which are quite sensational, creating an impression of depth and colour. It’s like an incessant flow of particles – all the same size – which sweep the paint with fascinating, even disconcerting regularity. Carson’s second approach is simply that of mosaic. As its name suggests, we find a fragmentation of form and surface characteristic of the mosaic style. In both instances the artist endows the surface of his canvasses with great energy, creating an altered state in which his powerfully metaphorical universe is expressed.
This is especially apparent in works with the bottom of the sea as their theme, which the artist exploits with great accuracy and visual and narrative pertinence. Both approaches are, therefore, explorations, to be viewed with attention for the pleasure and surprise they instill. » *Notably by Louis Bruens, Guy Robert and Jacques de Roussan.


Born in Montreal in 1957, Charles Carson has been devoting himself entirely to his art since 1983. Over the years he has participated in numerous exhibitions in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. He has also spent 10 of these artistically productive years living in Columbia. Carson has gained recognition at the international level and become known among art historians and consultants both for his art itself, and for his unique technique which has been termed “Carsonism” by these experts.

*2002 Winner of the Gold Medal (at the Montreal Salon international des Beaux Arts). Charles Carson was awarded an honorable mention at the 9th Edition of the MIM D’or 2003, at the Salon des technologies held at the Palais des congrès in Montreal. Charles Carson is considered by critics to be a major contemporary artist.

*Lise Grondine, president of the Salon spoke in these terms: “I think that everybody is able to agree that the abstract works by Charles Carson reveal great mastery and that they can be seen as masterpieces in terms of contemporary abstract art at the world level. They are refreshing, powerfully executed and of rare expressiveness. I also think that without a doubt, Charles Carson will be one of the century’s greatest exponents of contemporary abstract art. If I affirm this today, it is in recognition of such exceptional talent and is a testimony that I have never previously provided for any artist.”

* Lise Grondine has a degree in Art History (specialized degree in Art History with a major in Art) from the University of Montreal. She has completed further studies at McGill University on her way to a Master’s degree, and is also a graduate of the Académie française, des Arts des sciences et des lettres in Paris.

You can learn more about the value that we attach to the future artistic career of Charles Carson by reading this analysis of his work. Since as early as 1990, Guy Robert, Jacques De Roussan and myself, (**Louis Bruens) all three experts in art valuation, have agreed that we are confronted here with an artist of rare talent.

To explain what I mean: it can now be seen that the predictions we made about a decade ago were quite accurate. We are very conscious that the phenomenon of a Riopelle, for example, (Sotheby’s sale of a mosaic work from the 1950s realized US$1,8M) is one that is not found every day. This time, however, we have in Charles Carson an artist of the same calibre, if he is not superior.

« Charles Carson has not only created a new style but more importantly a completely new form of pictorial writing which falls within a range of values that differs totally from the current trends, genres and styles in the art market today.»

**Louis Bruens, art consultant and valuator, historian, writer, publisher, scientific expert in art analysis, conference speaker, consultant for both collectors and galleries, has worked in the art field in a professional capacity since 1959. Member elect of the Great Price Gutenberg 1993, 1994 and 1995.

*** Guy Robert (1933-2000), art critic and historian, whose best known books include studies on Riopelle, Pellan, Borduas, Dallaire, Fortin, Lemieux, Dumouchel and several other artists, pointed out in his book Discovering Carsonism: “Carson’s pictorial writing offers us a kind of sensuous game via its unique form of pictorial writing; the artist gives such depth to each work that it becomes more fascinating than the most masterful system of perspective.

The impression of freshness and energy that emanates from Carson’s works comes in part from the brilliance and purity of his colors, harmonized in rhythmic juxtaposition by graduates strokes of brush or palette nearly always on the diagonal or in large ellipses given air by interstices of white. It is also fascinating to see how the artist, without having recourse to the artifice of perspective, gives his work depth by innovatively creating an illusion of continuous rustling on the surface. There is a shift in the visual space and a mobility in the planes due to the energetic and harmonious dissociation of the masses involved; from whence comes this inimitable rhythm animating each work.”

***Guy ROBERT- (1933-2000) Writer, historian and art critic, doctor of Aesthetics (University of Paris), teacher and conference speaker, art consultant and publisher, he has published over sixty books and a large number of articles, in 1964 he helped found the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art, he was a member of the Federal Cultural Policy Commission from1979to 1982, of the Canadian Conservation Review Board, and he has received the Grand Prix littéraire de Montréal

During a ten-year period, the Canadian artist collaborated actively in the artistic culture of the Fine Arts Museum in Cartagena, Columbia. In recognition for his contribution, a life-size statue of the artist in bronze has been on view in a major Cartagena public building since 1997.

Internationally recognized, Charles Carson is honored to be able to count among his collectors Mr. Bill Clinton, former president of the United States who acquired one of his works at an exhibition in Boston.

“Charles CARSON presents us with magnificent visual richness. The viewer must learn to read - consciously or not – the scenes or subjects being proposed. CARSON interprets and transposes with great strength and subtlety. An attitude that within the visual arts world, precedes and follows all major careers.” Jacques de ROUSSAN (1929-1995) publisher, writer and art consultant.



Vaudreuil-Soulanges Museum, Canada

To view the work of Charles Carson is to contemplate and discover the figurative through the abstract in a chromatic explosion that brings joy and happiness to life. It is simply good for the heart. Its quality, originality and dynamic spirit lead us forward, uplift us and fill us with inner peace.
Pierrette LABONTE, Curator



“On Earth, over the sea or via the flight of a bird, the uncontested master of colors and creator of Carsonism: Charles Carson has us travel in a captivating universe of multiple and varying dimensions. Charles Carson leads us to discover, through his unique palette and way of doing things, a world in which the wildlife is born of his own dreams and reflections. The artist has a remarkable facility for dematerializing forms and transporting us into a world that is being passionately observed, while we discover the endless subtleties of Carsonism.”

To discover Charles Carson is to uncover the missing link in the encyclopaedia of contemporary art.

It is truly a question of a new pictorial writing, something not seen before today and baptized Carsonism by a number of art consultants of international stature. J.D.T. /Art France



AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS
2003-2004 International Golden MIM Award.
2002- Winner of La grande Médaille d’or de Rayonnement Universel His works now form part of both private and public collections in numerous countries.
Salon international des Beaux-Arts de Montréal (Fall 2002)
1999- Honor Award, with honorable mention - Medellin Arts Festival, Columbia.
1997-Hommage à CARSON - The Cartagena Airport Corporation pays him homage.
A life-size bronze statue in the effigy of CHARLES CARSON signed Mario RODRIGUEZ was unveiled.
1995-1st Prize - CARSON, special guest, Caribbean Arts Festival.
1994-First Prize from the Commanderie de l’Ordre des Chevaliers de St Hubert.
1993-Gold Medal from the CIDIAQ (Centre international d’information et Diffusion des Arts in Quebec.)

(1985-2003) Numerous exhibitions in several countries including: Canada, the United States, England, France, the Philippines, Columbia and Asia.