At the initiative of Françoise Adamsbaum of Galerie Keza, Lord Anthony Cahn created compositions of miniature walls directly inspired by Rue de Verneuil.

In the spirit of this contemporary melodist who combined humour, love, provocation and poetry, Lord Anthony Cahn offers his many interpretations of the legendary Maison Gainsbourg: six variations for six different readings of a place and a time. Faithful to the real architecture, the walls are steeped in the imagination of a master of the French language.

The relief of an extraordinary life is expressed in the many layers of these walls. Echoing the character’s inner singularities and contradictions, Lord Anthony Cahn writes, draws, paints and tattoos the walls, and plasters them with the famous portraits signed by Battistini. Wide-eyed, with an eccentric moustache, Gainsbourg appears made up as Dali, whose surrealist genius fascinated him. Both mischievous, these artists left their mark on their world, their era and beyond.

Lord Anthony Cahn likes to play with appearances, choosing to show, hide or suggest…
Just when you think you have finally grasped these sculptures, you discover, one after another, hidden words and messages, like wild inscriptions, invoking his special bond with his audience. From jazz to reggae, Gainsbourg’s world is rich, and the nods to it are many.

The sixth composition is entitled Rue de Verneuil, Variation no. 5bis. Like a special edition, the silhouette of the town house takes shape beneath gold leaf. Lord Anthony Cahn returns to the essence of his work to shine a light on Serge Gainsbourg, transforming Rue de Verneuil into a sacred relic.

Previous Gainsb’Art editions