Archives : Frank

“Zoo” (Aire Libre/Dupuis) is set to be the publishing sensation in the world of graphic arts for the end of 1994. Frank Pé, heretofore the artist behind “Broussaille”, has spent four years working on what will be his grand entry into realist bande dessinée. Champaka felt compelled to be the publisher of the first “Zoo” art print. Here is the artist’s own insight into the work: “It began as a simple commission from Champaka: create “a beautiful drawing to accompany the publication of Zoo.” I started from the idea of a white sheet draped over a windowframe, in strong daylight. The image then developed from the notion of Anna’s perspective, with the various symbols - the bird, that shadowy corner that suggests the perfect zoo, etc. That general concept seemed to work, and I set about recreating it. My final touch was to trap the corner of the sheet in a strong shaft of sunlight, just where it trails along the floor. That’s the detail that really makes the scene work. And then I saw what it revealed: a glowing, vaguely triangular form on the floor towards the left, like a head, a strange little sunbeam-creature, lying there like a triton; even the panther crouched in the shadows is captivated by it. This was not something I had planned, just one of those extraordinary marvels of chiaroscuro. The image had transformed itself from a simple commission for Champaka into a moment of serendipity. It reminded me, once again, that I am at heart someone who just loves light. I don’t control it, but I’m guided by it and every so often, such as in the best moments of the Zoo series, it never fails to surprise and amaze me."

Source: Champaka News n°4, December 1994