Charles Leval x Motel One Paris-Porte de Versailles
Charles' work is primarily a mixture of drawing and installation. He stages his ink-drawn figures in public spaces, creating a visual and semantic dialogue with their surroundings. The figures interact with the architecture and unfold in situations that often border on the absurd. Here at Motel One Paris-Porte de Versailles, they certainly add that certain “je ne sais quoi”!
What is the title of your artwork?
The title of the artwork is “Baggage”. This title unites my three works int he hotel.
What are the central elements, and what message or emotion do you want to convey with them?
In the main part, we see figures bringing their suitcases to a hotel bellboy. However, the suitcases do not appear to be heavy, but rather seem to float in the air and almost guide the figures. Here, the suitcase is no longer a burden, but a symbol of lightness.
What inspired you to create this artwork?
I wanted to explore the theme of hospitality and travel in general. In doing so, I focused on what defines my artistic world – the focus on the body as a graphic element.
What materials and techniques do you use?
I worked with a technique that I often use – I combined real objects with depicted figures. The objects thus reinforce the realism of the figures.
What challenges did you face in creating the artwork?
For technical reasons, I had to work with thicker wood than usual, which was a real challenge when cutting.
What motivated you to participate in this project?
I saw this proposal as an opportunity to play with a space where I don't normally exhibit and to try to surprise the viewer.
To what extent does your work reflect the atmosphere and style of the location?
I tried to characterise my figures with a certain idea of what people expect from Paris. Their outfits and posture are quite symbolic of the way we imagine a romanticised, idealised Paris.
