the essential
Exhibited in a deconsecrated Toulouse church since this Friday, the latest statue by James Colomina features Abbot Pierre in erection. The artist explained to La Dépêche why he decided to send a strong message, through a controversial work.
Why did you want to represent Abbé Pierre?
James Colomina. Like everyone else, I knew him as a saint. I wanted to talk about what he committed, but also about the church which has been hiding this for too long. The fact that he is on his death bed, but still erect, shows that scandals, often hidden, are omnipresent. It symbolizes the veil that society places over these atrocities.
Also read:
Abbé Pierre in erection: the shocking work of James Colomina, exhibited in Toulouse, to denounce abuses in the Church
Why display it in a church?
I wanted to create a universe of holiness, with the white drape, a halo of light, religious music, pontifical incense, to feel the weight of the church in the journey towards the statue. As we get closer, we see the erection growing. I couldn’t install this work in the street, it would have lost all its meaning.
Also read:
Abbé Pierre affair: “Severely mentally ill”, “abnormal state”… the Church archives highlight the silence of its hierarchy
This creation marks a turning point in your career. For what ?
This is the first time I have installed a sculpture indoors, and the first time I have made a white one. It is a transitional work, a turning point in my artistic career. I made it in red initially, but red is good for outdoors, to catch the eye. Here, white is more appropriate, more contemplative and solemn. I want to evolve in this direction, express myself with this new language.
Also read:
Abbé Pierre affair: “In the family, we knew that he had problems with his sexuality”, confides the nephew of the famous priest
It is also a turning point in my commitment. I want to remain anonymous, like when I install works in the street at night. It is an argument of freedom, which allows me to present such engaged and controversial sculptures. I don’t give a damn, I talk about the subjects I want. Art is a weapon. We can control it, use it for causes like this, to denounce atrocities.
I don’t know if it’s possible to leave it longer given its controversial nature.
Why will it only be visible for two days?
I don’t know if it’s possible to leave it longer, given its controversial and engaged nature. I like the ephemeral side of the creations, which I find in street art. The date of All Saints’ Day is important, it had to be visible now. And the people who saw it will tell those who couldn’t be there.
