The exhibition of Pierre et Gilles at Sofia City Art Gallery marks the first time that the French duo has had a show in Eastern Europe. The artists are best known for their combination of photography with painting, using pop culture, religious, Classical and kitsch motifs that all come together for a sort of surrealist adult fairytale.
At a news conference held at the gallery the morning of May 9, the day before the exhibition opened to the public, French ambassador to Bulgaria Etienne de Poncins said that this was the “flagship moment” for the embassy and the French Institute this year.
“The likes of Pierre et Gilles has never been seen before in Sofia,” he said, “neither with the quality of the art, nor with its originality. In a country of icons, we are able to give honour to two artists who are themselves icons, and these among personalities that themselves address icons, such as Sylvie Vartan.”
Showing contemporary art is one of the constant goals of the French embassy, De Poncins said. Next year, it is already planned for sculptor Pierre-Marie Lejeune to come to Sofia.
Also at the news conference were Sofia City Art Gallery director Adelina Fileva, French Institute director Catherine Suard, Assen Assenov from the magazine Edno, and Parisian gallerist Jérôme de Noirmont, who curated the show, which runs until June 6.
Assenov expressed his wonder at the presence of the Pierre-Gilles tandem before him, saying that it was “exceptional and extraordinary” to have them here in Bulgaria. He said that this show permitted Sofia to try to be more and more a European cultural capital.
After being lauded, Pierre and Gilles showed attendees around the gallery, answering questions and explaining certain aspects of their work.
Pierre is the photographer; Gilles does the decoration and the painting on the photos themselves. Their collaboration dates back to 1976, when they produced their first work; since then, they have made more than 800 pieces, using as models names that include Catherine Deneuve, Naomi Campbell, Madonna, Marilyn Manson, Jean-Paul Gautier, Boy George, Sylvie Vartan, Nina Hagen, David Bowie and Kylie Minogue.
In Sofia, there are 50 works that date from 1978 to 2008, among which figure two featuring Vartan, given her special role in helping to free the Bulgarian medics from Libya in 2007.
13:47 Fri 09 May 2008 - Magdalena Rahn
la photo culte de Pierre et Gilles
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