Georges Wolinski is a French artist who has been creating original designs for an impressive 50 years. His collection has just entered the National Library of France (known as the BNF), and to celebrate this, the BNF is presenting a special exhibition of 500 of these designs.
Wolinski’s drawings and sketches have been seen in more than 40 newspapers and about 100 books. The controversial artist has created advertisements and posters, and he has also experimented with other forms of art, like theater, film and television. This multitalented figure has a knack for revealing the humorous aspects of everyday observations. And Wolinski sets his drawings apart by adding a touch of surrealism and straightforwardness that plays with the notion of vulgarity.
There is no doubt that Wolinski is a straight shooter, and he is known for writing, “Humorists have only one thought, just one idea, and it’s ‘I’m a nothing and I’m scared.’” Despite his modesty, however, over a period of 50 years, this artist has gotten a reputation for having no fear. He has covered subjects such as politics, gender, and everyday life with a cutting humor. These drawings may look simple and naive at first, but beneath the surface there is a mocking, witty tone that reveals a lot more. The name of one of his most well-known characters — “The King of Idiots” — gives visitors an idea of what they can expect from Wolinski.
Guests staying at the Hotel Louvre Marsollier have the chance to discover the 500 drawings that the National Library of France will be presenting until September 2, 2012. In addition to the drawings, visitors will also get to see commentaries from notable figures who appreciate his work as well as people close to Georges Wolinski, like his wife.
