Jean-Luc Moulène
29 September–25 November 2012
Modern Art Oxford
30 Pembroke Street
Oxford OX1 1BP, UK
Admission free
Jean-Luc Moulène at Modern Art Oxford is a solo exhibition of work by the seminal French artist (b.1955; Reims, France), tracing his practice from the early nineties to the present, with an emphasis on recent work. The exhibition presents a collection of sculptures, or ‘objects’, drawings, photographs and a newly commissioned film.
Alongside Moulène’s renowned photographic work, his practice has often included manufactured objects, drawings and prints—a celebration of the act of making as fundamental to human activity, and evidence of his enduring interest in anthropology and material cultures of the past. The ongoing relationship between image and object at the heart of Moulène’s practice forms a central theme of this exhibition. The works also reveal a use of mathematics and geometry that is at the core of the formulation of his works.
The exhibition shows several series of works including his celebrated monochromes painted with BIC pen ink and his remarkable sculptural knots made from blown glass and cast bronze. Evocative of a ceremony or procession, the works are placed according to a precise spatial structure that extends through the upper galleries, culminating with the film The Three Graces.
Jean-Luc Moulène says, “My work seeks to produce differences through reexamination of tradition and theoretical statement. This exhibition reflects my response to all types of possibilities from the last couple of decades while also examining new ideas with the film The Three Graces.“
Referencing traditional art history, The Three Graces originated in Greek Mythology and have been depicted countless times in Classical and Renaissance periods, in sculpture, drawing and painting; Moulène transposes the subject to reflect the era of mechanized reproduction, using black and white film as his medium.
After gaining his degree in Art and Literature from the Sorbonne University (Paris, 1976), Moulène moved from performance to photography and drawing. This is the first major exhibition of his work in the UK. He lives and works in Paris.
Jean-Luc Moulène’s new glass sculptures were produced and fabricated at The International Glass and Visual Arts Research Centre / CIRVA, Marseille.
Jean-Luc Moulène In Conversation with Chris Dercon
Thursday 25 October, 7pm
Jean-Luc Moulene is joined in conversation with Chris Dercon, Director of Tate Modern. This event is a rare opportunity to hear the artist discuss his recent work and his exhibition at Modern Art Oxford. Chris Dercon has been Director of Tate Modern since 2010; his previous positions include Director of Haus der Kunst, Munich; and co-founding Director of Witte de With Centre for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam.
