"The Ousted Kings" - Interview with Antoine Déprez and Ursula Bucher
A native of Lille, Antoine Déprez attended the Emile Cohl school of graphic arts in Lyon. In 2002 he obtained his diploma as an illustrator and headed to Lugano, where he began working for children's publishing, drawing for the press, and making posters. He paints both for himself and for others and organizes a few exhibitions. He also teaches illustration at SUPSI in Lugano.
Ursula Bucher studied graphic design at the CSIA in Lugano, after which she moved to Lyon, where she earned her diploma in illustration at the Emile Cohl School in 2002. She works as an illustrator of children's books and freelance graphic designer. She collaborates with several Italian, French and Swiss publishing houses.
Trained as an illustrator, you work on children's books as well as posters, advertising, print and more. What characterizes illustration intended for children versus illustration for adults?
AD: Children's illustration is usually enclosed in a book, so this already gives the image a special setting, creating a strong link with the text.
UB: In addition, the language is simplified, the colors are closer to the world of children.
AD: Keeping in mind that the world of children varies a lot: depending on the age you have a different visual perception.
You are illustrators, but also painters. What does painting allow you to express?
AD: Illustration is on command, so it responds to a request and is always linked to an event, a concept, a book, a newspaper article if it is printed. With painting, on the other hand, you are free: the image works in and of itself, independent of any context.
UB: That's the difference that runs between pure art and applied art. With regard to murals, I would talk more about illustration than painting
How did you approach urban art?
AD: It is a language that we have always liked, like any kind of representation: in fact, I don't think there are any boundaries between the different possible ways of representing, whether it is on a sheet of paper with a pencil, or on a wall with a bucket of paint. In the past we have done murals privately; this is the first time we are doing one in the city.
The protagonists of the mural you are making at the Lugano Lido are animals. What does the composition tell?
AD: The protagonists are bear, wolf and raven, three animals that in pre-Christian societies had a strong role and symbolism: they were the kings of the animal kingdom. Over time, however, they were ousted by religious and superstitious beliefs, and replaced with animals that were easier to handle because they were already domesticated (such as the dog) or not present in the territory (such as the lion). The three "ousted kings" had a grim fate: the bear and the wolf were almost annihilated throughout Europe, the raven became a bad omen despite being among the most intelligent animals around us. Three ousted kings put in a ridiculous situation, wearing children's pool gear such as floaties, mask and snorkel, just to make passersby think about our relationship with nature.
Although you practice the same profession, you do not often work together. What is the working method on this occasion?
UB: Even though we work in the same atelier we have different styles and (usually) clients; therefore, this project is an opportunity to work together. We have developed concept together, the design is Antoine's, and I accompany him in the realization.
AD: Also, although we don't usually work on the same projects, all the images we process are subjected to each other's professional gaze-a very valuable help.
What are your upcoming projects?
UB: Who knows!
AD: In December I published illustrations with the carte à gratter technique for the book "Peter. Storia di un camoscio della Val Mala," by Mario Donati and Valeria Nidola; with the same team, a second book is in the works.
Antoine Déprez and Ursula Bucher are at work near the Lido in Lugano from 11 to 15.07. The artists will meet the public on 14.07 at 5 p.m. in front of the wall.
