This fall, Hugo Galerie will host a solo exhibition of new mixed media works by French artist François Anton. Anton’s work is characterized not only by his unique use of mediums, including oil paint, gold leaf and collage on canvas, but by the narrative quality of the work; like comic strips, each of Anton’s paintings tells a story.

The works, often monochrome with bursts of bright colors, are rich with movement. Drawing on the structure of cartoon strips, Anton often uses a series of several paintings to depict an action from start to finish, such as throwing a ball or dramatic hand gestures between two characters. The paintings juxtapose the seriousness of adult life with the lighthearted absurdity of childhood. His animals, fish, dogs and mice, among others, are alive, almost human, in their interactions with the figures. Although, the paintings are playful, there is an introspective quality to the work, as well; the figures have an aesthetic reminiscent of British painter Francis Bacon and are often depicted alone, contemplating their environment.

This loneliness and sense of mystery balances the lighthearted aspects of the work. The sensitive paintings are witty and satirical comments on adult life, expectations and the importance of remembering the magic of childhood.

Born in 1944 in French Algeria, Anton eventually settled in Béziers in the south of France, where he currently lives and works. Since 1975, Anton has exhibited his work in galleries in France, Switzerland and Germany as well as in several prominent art fairs. Anton exhibited at Hugo’s predecessor, Axelle Fine Arts, including a successful solo exhibition in 2014; this will the artist’s first solo exhibiton at Hugo Galerie.