Wilchar (Willem Pauwels, 1910-2005) - 1: "Boomerang" 2: "Les Droits de L'Homme"TechniekLinoleumsnede op papierLinoleumsnede op papier - 1970s

These are two original, signed (and partly dated in the plate) large-format linocuts on paper, characteristic of Wilchar's sharp social commentary.

1: "Boomerang"
2: "Les Droits de L'Homme" TechniqueLinoleum cut on paperLinoleum cut on paper

Wilchar (Willem Pauwels, 1910-2005) was a Belgian linographer, painter, and poster designer with deep social and political commitment. He called himself an "imagier populaire" (popular image-maker) and was known as the "tender anarchist" who opposed the established order, the art trade, and injustice.

Title: "Boomerang" "Les Droits de L'Homme" (The Rights of Man) (dated '84' in the plate)
Signature"Wilchar" (in pencil, lower right)"Wilchar" (in pencil, lower right)EmblemRed logo (two inverted W's) lower leftRed logo (two triangles) upper left or right

Contents A man (the bourgeoisie/consumer) wearing a hat and pipe bends over a tray on which a can labeled "WILCHAR" is mirrored.
An official-looking document titled "Les Droits de L'Homme" (The Rights of Man), which cynically repeats the text "MÉTRO - BOULOT - DODO" (inverted). At the bottom is a symbol of captivity (a mousetrap).

A powerful critique of the commodification of art. Wilchar ironically presents himself as a "canned product." The title, "Boomerang," emphasizes the recurring critique of the art market that the artist rejects. A sharp commentary on the alienation and routine of modern life. "Human rights" are reduced to an exhausting and hopeless cycle.

Linocuts: Wilchar's linocuts in this size and with such a strong theme are sought after by collectors of socially engaged art.

Similar Results: Public auction results and gallery prices for comparable signed linocuts and linoprints by Wilchar show varying prices. For a well-preserved, signed, large-format linocut like yours, prices often range from €100 to €250 each, depending on the auction and the sentiment.

Note: His gouaches and paintings on plexiglass fetch higher prices (sometimes up to around €400-€500), but the linocuts are his most characteristic medium for social criticism.