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Jacques Cimon. Montreal |
| July 28, 1989 CHEVALIER, A FREE PAINTER From his birth in Montreal, Jacques Chevalier never really studied painting. In fact be never seriously studied any other subject either. His systematic rejection of school condemned him to one menial job after another. Years went by before Chevalier discovered the painter within himself, although in childhood the only thing that stirred his interest was art, especially drawing. So for years and years, from 1964 to 1971, Jacques Chevalier wandered, agonizing about art. about other people about himself. His torment reached such heights that he began to think he was crazy. And it is as at this point that a decision saved him, a decision to live by and for his art. The anarchist of life who refused the rules of the workaday world became the anarchist of canvas: 1600 paintings in the 20 years of his career reveal creativity in constant movement, inventing new climates, colors and dynamics in drawing and perspectives. The public fell in love with his marvelous alleys of Montreal and demanded more. But Chevalier held back, even though he could exploit them to earn a living. He preferred to follow his moods, turning to incredible water lilies and landscape reflections in water, the present tendency in his work. For how long? Impossible to say, for Chevalier sees himself as "instinctive," and his inspiration roams endlessly. That is probably why Chevalier's teachers are the great naive painters, Paul Cézanne especially. And like that master, he might very well mark his period. A painter by instinct and calling. Chevalier is more than an exceptional artist. Jacques Chevalier is an exception.
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