The Saint-Riquier Abbey is hosting a surprising exhibition until February 1, called “Santa Classics”. American photographer Ed Wheeler immerses himself in masterpieces of painting, disguised as Santa Claus.
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A red hat and pants trimmed with white fur among Degas' dancers… Or hanging a luminous and colorful garland on the deck of the Water lily pond by Claude Monet… Ed Wheeler's Santa Claus does not go unnoticed in these masterpieces of Art history.
The American photographer, fan of Santa Claus, is exhibiting his photomontages at Saint-Riquier Abbey in the Somme until February 1st. “Santa Classics” are 40 covers of great painting masters in which Santa Claus replaces the main character. “Classic Santas are created in the studio, explains Hélène Gamard, tour guide at the abbey. Ed Wheeler dresses up as Santa Claus and takes the arm from one photo and the leg from another. And will make a montage of all these elements to try to get back into a perfect pose or in any case a pose that most imitates the model of the original works.“
Picking up the ears of wheat with The gleaners of Millet or holding the candle in The night watch from Rembrant, he is everywhere, with his beard and his white gloves. Ed Wheller, commercial photographer for 40 years, takes a mischievous and slightly irreverent look at the greatest masterpieces of painting. As if to say that they should not necessarily be treated with the seriousness due to their rank. Art, no matter how noble, can be funny and make you smile.
Crossing the Delaware in place of George Washington or riding Napoleon's horse crossing the Alps, Ed Wheeler offers with his diversions an iconoclastic path of access to classic works of art, and also to History. “He really likes to cover works that deal with major historical periods, confirms Hélène Gamard. We have scenes that represent Napoleon. Or Liberty Leading the People. Historical scenes both French and American. These are quite amusing works because they are diverted. This funny side can interest both children and adults.“
And after all his travels from painting to painting and from era to era, Santa Claus has many things to tell. And what better place to end your day and play The night owls than the corner of his compatriot Ed Hooper's bar.
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