Curriculum Vitae

Name

Jean-Claude Appelgam

Birth

June 16, 1953, Alfortville, France

Education

Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Tourcoing, France

Group Exhibitions

1975: Ferme TVAC, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
1976: Galerie de la Petite Pièce, Lille, France
1977: La Mauvaise Herbe, Tournai, Belgium
1984: Centre des Sept Mares, Élancourt, France
1987: L’Usine Éphémère, Paris, France
1996: Alliance Française, Johannesburg, South Africa
1997: Suzette Munnik and Franck Raubenheimer’s Ceramic Art Studio, Johannesburg, South Africa
1998: Gallery 111, Johannesburg, South Africa
2002: Rencontre Internationale O.M.S., Hellemmes, France
2002: “Le Bel Imaginaire,” Espace Malraux, La Madeleine, France
2003: Solid’Art, Secours Populaire Français, Lille, France
2004: “Au-delà des Fallas,” Halle aux Sucres, Lille, France
2005: Solid’Art, Secours Populaire Français, Lille, France
2014: “Le Père Noël est un Artiste,” Galerie Sinkié, Hellemmes, France

Individual Exhibitions

1979: Centre Charles Péguy, London, United Kingdom
1983: Galerie Pastelise, Lille, France
1985: École Richard Mique, Versailles, France
1988: Galerie L’Île Noire, Lille, France
1988: Le Balatum, Lille, France
1990: Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain
1991: Galleria Local, Barcelona, Spain
1993: Galleria Nueva, Barcelona, Spain
1999: Mod’s Hair, Lille, France
2000: Pub Store, Lille, France
2001: Feu Follet, Lille, France
2003: Feu Follet, Lille, France
2005: Le Moulin d’Or, Lille, France
2007: Zone de Confusion, Saint-André, Lille, France
2015: Le Moulin d’Or, Lille, France
2015: Pol’art Café, Lille, France

Artistic Statement

“I do not believe that my painting is easily accessible. Any intelligent painting (in the spiritual sense) demands a particular awareness and an educated eye.

However, I am also interested in the uninformed, more ‘secular’ response. Painting cannot be summarized in a limited space. It reflects an impulsive, thin-skinned, yet contemplative temperament.

Initially inspired by psychedelic art with its humoristic and surreal flavors, my work also draws from movements like surrealism, Dada, abstract expressionism, Pop Art, and Art Brut. These influences serve as a springboard for self-expression beyond conventional norms.

I see myself as a ‘visionary painter,’ capturing poetic reality. Themes in my work form parts of a personal mythology, expressed through color and symbolism.

Though the result may appear spontaneous, my process is deeply reflective. I use unexpected elements as exalted gestures, where color plays a vital psychological role. Esoteric and spiritual themes often emerge, creating tension and depth within my art.”