Books : Chaland

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Chaland

The book

Yves Chaland remains an influential reference for his peers in bande dessinée, in illustration and in advertising. He developed, in a magisterial body of work (“Bob Fish”, “Freddy Lombard” and “Le Jeune Albert”) an imaginary world set in the Belgian milieu of ’fifties bande dessinée, a world that he revisited with a touch of fantasy devoid of cloying nostalgia. “The ’fifties, a decade that left its mark on him, were for him a wonderful toybox, not a period to be dissected. He was one of the first iconoclasts to immerse himself in that time out of affection, whereas for many others it was a remedy for their lack of imagination. Champaka’s particular admiration for Chaland’s oeuvre can be seen in the range of screen-prints and special collector’s editions (“Spirou”, “Coeurs d’acier” “Les Inachevés”…) it has been pleased to publish. The fine-art edition bearing the understated title of “Chaland”, which was overseen by the artist’s wife and colourist, Isabelle Beaumenay-Joannet, gathers together the best of his illustrations. It showcases his illustrations for advertising, newspaper work, record-covers and screen-prints, and also includes many personal projects. Chaland’s many admirers finally have access to a wealth of hitherto-unseen material. Illustration remains the best way to convey his character. Chaland’s work is shown to its best advantage in this lavishly detailed collection, and Jean-Luc Fromental provides an intimate portrait of its subject. The volume is completed by a detailed biography-chronology (24 illustrated pages) that follows the brilliant trajectory of the father of “Nouvelle Ligne claire française” or “New French ligne claire” style.