Louis Chanu

Louis Chanu has nurtured a profound passion for sculpture since childhood, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to transform a wide variety of materials-including wax, clay, and innovative modern media-into compelling three-dimensional forms. His artistic versatility extends across a spectrum of subjects, ranging from lifelike figurative sculptures to abstract and organic compositions. Each work carries a distinct emotional resonance, infusing his bronze sculptures with vitality and energy.

 

Chanu began pursuing sculpture in earnest in 1989, focusing on two major thematic series. The first, "People of Africa," portrays the contemporary African experience, with each piece telling its own story. The second, "Women of Our Time," is a collection of bronze sculptures capturing women in their diverse roles across society.

 

In 2012-2013, Chanu pioneered an innovative nickel-bronze plating technique, imbuing his bronze works with luminosity and a sense of transience. Building upon his exploration of light and reflection, he began incorporating LED lighting into his sculptures, resulting in the creation of Illuminated Steel and Stainless Steel Sculptures (ISS). These works transcend the traditional boundaries between sculpture and functional art, finding equal acclaim in gallery exhibitions and outdoor installations across the globe.

 

Chanu's latest innovations embrace sustainability and transparency through a new bio-based plant carbon resin. This groundbreaking series realizes his vision of human figures crafted from glass-like, light-absorbing materials. These large-scale epoxy resin sculptures continuously shift in appearance, responding to their surroundings and capturing the ephemeral essence of light. His artistic journey has evolved from classical bronze to cutting-edge transparent forms, seamlessly merging sculpture with the environment.

 

The artist's work reflects a deep affinity for organic shapes, particularly the female form. Chanu draws inspiration from the world around him, guided by the intensity of his emotional response. For him, sculpture is both passion and meditation, grounding him in his creative practice. His works are increasingly sought after as valuable investments, with collectors including Johan Rupert, Richard Branson, and South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture.

 

Louis resides near Cape Town, South Africa, with his wife and three children. Beyond the studio, he is an avid aviator, having built and flown his own aircraft and explored Southern Africa by air. He has also been a dedicated paraglider pilot for over two decades.