Statue of Abbé Pierre erected in Toulouse: the artist received “several proposals” to exhibit his controversial sculpture elsewhere

Abbé Pierre in erection, on a mortuary bed, under a white sheet: here is the latest shocking work by Toulouse sculptor James Colomina, exhibited on November 1 and 2, All Saints' Day weekend, in the deconsecrated church of Gesu in Toulouse. Its goal: to denounce the silence of the church on sexual violence. The founder of Emmaüs, who died in 2007, is accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior.

More than 1,000 visitors in two days

Three weeks after the event, it is time to take stock. More than 1,000 curious people came to see the statue over the two days of the exhibition. The artist has since received “several proposals” from structures and museums, in France and abroad, to show it elsewhere. “This opens up interesting perspectives, but nothing has been decided yet,” he confides.

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The choice of a church as the exhibition venue was not made by chance. “I found it difficult to imagine the sculpture anywhere other than in this symbolic place which amplifies its spiritual and universal message,” explains James Colomina. But the enthusiasm changes things: “The interest aroused pushes me to think of other possibilities.”

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“I am thinking about the best way to preserve and share this work,” he adds. “The goal is to ensure that it can continue to reach a diverse audience and convey its message in an authentic way, whatever the place.” The work, very evocative, sparked a small controversy and generated numerous reactions.

Congratulations and criticism

James Colomina assures that he has received “varied feedback”, between “sincere congratulations from those affected”, “misunderstandings” and “criticism” from certain detractors. “But that’s normal for a committed work,” according to the artist. Regardless, these interactions push him to continue in this new artistic direction.

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He had made a significant change in style by swapping red, a color often associated with denunciation in his street works, for a symbolic and introspective white. “It reinforces my desire to create works that denounce, question and inspire. I firmly believe that art has an essential role to play in illuminating social issues, combating injustices and sparking discussions,” he concludes.