POP-UP SHOW FRIBOURG

City Blues

05.06.24 – 06.07.24

Kolly Gallery is delighted to present “City Blues” by artist Gaspard Louane, an ephemeral immersive exhibition held in the intimate and captivating premises of Relief Studio, founded in 1986 in the Fribourg region and usually closed to the public. For the vernissage, we had the pleasure of showcasing Louane’s vibrant and colorful works, accompanied by an exceptional culinary experience crafted by chef Pierre-Pascal Clément and a musical performance by the group Alf Pastix.

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Artist – GASPARD LOUANE
Type – SOLO Exhibition
Location – relief studios (ch)
Dates – 05.06.24 – 06.07.24

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This original collaboration was inspired by the idea of presenting the artist’s works in their contextual setting. Indeed, part of the series depicts musicians in patches of warm and cool colors, an ambiance reflected in the interior architecture of the recording studio. Visitors to the exhibition also had the opportunity to tour the studio and its famous SSL 4064 G+ analog console, and to enjoy an intimate concert by the Alf Pastix. It is particularly interesting to discover these works in this unique venue, which has hosted renowned musicians such as Toni’s Big Band, No One Is Innocent, Les Tambours du Bronx, the Septeto Nacional de Cuba, Alizée, Georgio, and Kamini.

The second part of the exhibition features ‘Gangsters’ in bars and restaurants inspired by Italian mafia films from the 90s, using the same aesthetic as the musician canvases. These characters are derived from the traditional ‘b-boys’ that graffiti artists draw next to their tags, often seen alongside those of Gaspard Louane. This character is an actor who confronts the viewer with a frontal gaze; in this series, it becomes clear that the viewer is actually the subject’s dining companion. The paintings give the impression that we are seated across from the ‘Gangster’, who is addressing us directly.

„ City Blues was the perfect opportunity to introduce you to other art forms that influence me, and to involve local friends in this very special event.“

Gaspard Louane, 2024.

This aesthetic is a direct inspiration from the Mont D’Or Art Valais artist residency, located in the Mont D’Or vineyard, where Gaspard Louane is a co-curator. It is here that he began drawing bottles and wine glasses in vivid Neocolor pastels, some of which are also featured in “City Blues”. The reduction to a minimal and highly contrasting color palette comes from the constraints of Neocolor, influencing the choice of colors for the canvases, while the theme of bars, restaurants, and food originates from the residency and its context.

It then became evident to invite Fribourg-native Pierre-Pascal Clément, a renowned chef who recently participated in the TV show “Top Chef” on M6 and is opening his first restaurant in Fribourg in July. He shared his culinary art with our guests, creating three original dishes for the occasion, inspired by the displayed works and their vivid colors. The dishes were served with wines from the Mont d’Or estate and the aperitif gin “Cinq et Demi”, a Fribourg distillery that joined the adventure. The dishes were presented on ceramic plates from Potsfink pottery, and we also showcased a limited series of six plates designed by the graffiti artist (sold out).

The final series of the exhibition features sequin-covered canvases with short decipherable phrases, often titles or lyrics of well-known songs chosen by the artist. This element brings the ‘graffiti’ alongside the ‘b-boy’ described earlier, thus closing the loop of the works’ inspiration. The ‘glitz and glam’ look seemed fitting to exhibit in a musical setting, transporting the viewer into the world of stars and kitsch.

This event truly reflected Gaspard Louane, who is never alone in his creation and always makes it a point to surround himself with artists from various disciplines, bringing them with him to the forefront. In “City Blues”, we return to the artist’s hometown, where he presents his work alongside other talents from Fribourg. We are very proud to have contributed to making this experience possible.