Pierre et GillesBy Sarah Colgan

Background➔ Pierre Commoy

◆ Born in 1950 in La Roche-sur-Yon, Paris

◆ Studied photography in Geneva

◆ Worked as a photographer in music and fashion magazines in 1970

Background (cont.)➔ Gilles Blanchard

◆ Born in 1953 in Le Harve, France

◆ Studied painting at Ecole des Beaux Arts

◆ Partnered with Pierre in 1979, three years after meeting

Technique➔ Sketch out design

➔ Stage photo

◆ Create their own costumes

◆ Use theatrical lighting

◆ Use props they have gathered from their travels

➔ Paint over photo

Le Petit Bal

Examples

Crazy love Stromae Forever Le Mariage Pour Tous

Examples (cont)

Ophelie

Le Coeur de Marie

Suzy Dream Catcher

Magical Mirror De La Rue Aux Etioles

Critique

Description➔ Autoportrait 78 (2014)➔ Hand-painted photograph➔ Models are Barthelemy Seng and Florian

Balicco➔ Collection Centre Pompidou, Paris➔ This image shows two men in white and

black, strung over each other in a blue background with white and red flowers surrounding them.

Analysis➔ The artists use the contrast from the blue background and the white and

black of the models’ clothes to make the models stand out

◆ Creates balance as well with balancing the dark and light colors on either side of the painting

➔ Framing is also used by having flowers in the foreground

◆ Depth is also achieved by place flowers in the background

➔ Color also conveys a lighter atmosphere by using bright, vibrant colors as opposed to dull ones

◆ Despite black still being used and considered as a traditionally “dull” color, the model’s expression still helps convey the overall theme

➔ Movement can be seen by the angles of the flowers to give them a “falling” effect

Interpretation

➔ I believe that Pierre et Gilles are trying to convey a peacefully, happy bond between the two men

◆ Color and facial expressions portray a happier mood

◆ Due to type of clothing, perhaps they have recently been reunited

Judgement

➔Overall, the piece is fairly well done

◆ Bright colors

◆ Overcrowded

◆ Provides good contrast and shows movement

Over All Arist Opinion➔ Pros

◆ Intriguing subject matter

◆ Interesting combination of mediums

◆ All photos are one-of-a-kind

➔ Cons

◆ Subject matter can be left to taste

◆ Photos can sometimes be too busy

Bibliography

Works Cited

Commoy, Pierre, and Gilles Blanchard. "Facebook Logo." Autoportrait 78 , Barthélemy Seng Et... Facebook, 31 July 2015. Web.

31 Mar. 2016.

Le Scouarnec, Jean-Marc. "Pierre Et Gilles Au Printemps De Septembre : à La Vie, à L'amour." Ladepeche.fr. N.p., 8 Oct. 2012.

Web. 01 Apr. 2016.

Leclézio, Mélissa. "Pierre Et Gilles: Pop Portraiture with a French Touch." The Culture Trip. The Culture Trip, n.d. Web. 31 Mar.

2016.

Templon, Daniel. "Galerie Daniel Templon - Artist-Pierre Et Gilles." Galerie Daniel Templon - Artist-Pierre Et Gilles. N.p., n.d.

Web. 31 Mar. 2016.

Turner, Jonathan. (n.d.): n. pag. Pierre Et Gilles. ACCA. Web.