Pierre et Gilles : Factory of Idols Claimed

Working together since the 1980s, the artistic duo known as Pierre et Gilles have captured the iconic aura of multiple generations of famous music and film stars in their photo-paintings. Passionate about popular music, the duo is completely involved in the creation of the exhibition. Videos, record covers, personal collection of memorabilia from their own studio will be presented… The exhibition is a great opportunity to reveal the secrets of their style, working like a manufactory of idols. Strongly influenced by the iconography and structures of classical art, the two artists are following the tradition of Western portrait history. As the holy icons are substituted by pop-idols, and mysticism of Gregorian chant replaced by the restlessness of rock concerts, Pierre et Gilles add something sacred to their iconography, by creating portraits that are almost magical and miraculous; thereby images come alive and become venerable. Influenced by the aesthetics of a certain American underground counter-culture, Pierre et Gilles have constructed a musical world where baroque art stands alongside with Hindu iconography, and where time and imagination merge. From Etienne Daho to Stromae, Sheila to Eddy de Pretto, Sylvie Vartan and including Marylin Manson, Iggy Pop, Michael Jackson, Claude François and others, Pierre et Gilles have ensured, while creating this strange pantheon, a fundamental place for music in their work. With high symbolic potential figures, they allow themselves to explore freely the sanctity of hit parade popstars. The exhibition’s staging is inspired by the quasi-mystical nature of Pierre et Gilles’ work. Focusing on the concept of idol, in its religious sense, the intention is to highlight the staging and iconography as employed by the two artists.