In 2020, in full confinement, Philippe Katerine created “Mignonisme”: an artistic movement, of which he is the one and only representative, consisting in assembling two objects that were not destined to meet, to bring out a work of art. art in its own right. After having invaded the Bon Marché last winter, the multi-faceted artist exhibits his funny and singular works in La Rochelle, on the sidelines of the Francofolies festival.
His giant bubble gum-colored sculptures of Monsieur Rose have landed for the summer in the streets of La Rochelle and in various places associated with this funny exhibition offered at the city’s tourist office. Polymorphic works, sculptures from children’s toys, naive paintings, drawings and many other “mignonist” curiosities straight out of the crazy mind of Philippe Katerine. Something to surprise the first visitors: “It intrigues me yes, I really have the impression of entering the imagination of the artist, a little in his dreams perhaps“, laughs a gentleman who knows the universe of the singer and musician well, but who discovers this hidden side.
A colorful, whimsical universe, which he defined at franceinfo culture last February during his Parisian exhibition: “Deprived of concerts, confined to my family, I started playing with children’s toys, salt dough, modeling clay… and also earth, flowers, tools, dishes… everything I didn’t look at more altogether. I created situations with these objects where my personal anxieties and bliss crystallized as if by magic… perfect receptacle at hand, cuteness as the only standard. Cuteness is everywhere, good to flush out. Assemble two objects that shouldn’t and it’s already a story; present, past, future“.
A large part of the works presented are for sale, but will be available for collection in September, once the exhibition is over. A dedicated site has been created for the occasion.
The Francofolies invite you to meet the artistic movement: Mignonism! A movement represented AND CLAIMED FOR THE MOMENT by a single and unique artist, the surprising Philippe Katerine
His works will be exhibited in the streets of La Rochelle, pic.twitter.com/d7C5PwkJkm— Francofolies (@francofolies) July 5, 2022
“Cuteness” by Philippe Katerine – exhibition until September 2, 2022 at the tourist office and in various places in La Rochelle – Free.