Wilchar was no stranger to Amsab-ISG. An exhibition of Wilchar's posters was already on display at Amsab-ISG in 1994.
Willem Pauwels, known by his stage name Wilchar, was born on November 1, 1910, in Saint-Gilles, Brussels. He grew up in a working-class family. His father co-founded the Tramwaymen's Syndicate. Trade union activities would influence him throughout his life. His commitment and political leanings are evident throughout his oeuvre, but above all, "as a thoroughbred anarchist, he criticized the church, capital, the royal family, and the art trade. Always sharp, with a great sense of humor, inspired by his great example Masereel and with a nod to Ensor" (Hendrik Ollivier, Brood & Rozen , (2020) 4, p. 69).
The moving series of watercolours he made based on his experiences in Breendonk and Huy during WWII can be considered his artistic highlight.
Wilchar never truly broke through as an artist. Only later did he receive some recognition, including through exhibitions in Sint-Gillis (1991), Amsab-ISG (1994), and the Caermersklooster in Ghent (2002). We therefore believe he deserves more, and we hope to contribute to that by carefully digitizing and making his work accessible.
© Amsab-ISG
Read Hendrik Ollivier's article about Wilchar in Brood&Rozen 2020/4
