Rue de Verneuil
Since 2016, Roberto Battistini has elevated « L’Homme à tête de chou » to the status of a pop icon, bringing together leading figures from the French and international contemporary art scenes for an evolving group exhibition.
Through techniques ranging from cut-outs and collage to photomontage, artists such as Jacques Villeglé, Hervé Di Rosa and Miguel Chevalier have reappropriated and reinterpreted the famous photographs taken by R. Battistini in 1985, transforming them into collaborative works.
On the initiative of Françoise Adamsbaum, director of the Keza Gallery, Lord Anthony Cahn has created miniature wall compositions directly inspired by the Rue de Verneuil.
In the spirit of this contemporary songwriter, who blends humour, love, provocation and poetry, Lord Anthony Cahn presents six interpretations of the legendary Maison Gainsbourg, six variations, each offering a unique take on a place and an era. True to the actual architecture, these compositions are imbued with the imagination of Serge Gainsbourg and his highly distinctive style of expression.
The story of an extraordinary life is reflected in the multiple layers of these walls. Echoing the character’s idiosyncrasies and inner conflicts, Lord Anthony Cahn writes, draws, paints and tattoos the walls, and adorns them with the famous portraits by Battistini. With wide-open eyes and an eccentric moustache, Gainsbourg appears here dressed as Dalí, whose surrealist genius fascinated him. Both mischievous in their own way, these artists have left their mark on their world, their era and beyond.
Lord Anthony Cahn enjoys playing with appearances and chooses to reveal, conceal or allude…
Just when you think you’ve finally grasped these sculptures, you discover, one after the other, hidden words and messages, like wild graffiti, evoking the special bond that unites him with his audience. From jazz to reggae, Gainsbourg’s world is rich and full of subtle references.
The sixth composition is entitled Rue de Verneuil, Variation No. 5bis. Like a special edition, the silhouette of the townhouse emerges from beneath the gold leaf. Lord Anthony Cahn returns to the essence of his work to shine a light on Serge Gainsbourg, transforming the Rue de Verneuil into a sacred relic.
Previous editions of Gainsb’art
Variations Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Creation of the first four walls for the "Gainsbourg Still Alive" exhibition, in collaboration with Roberto Batistini.
At Perl
First exhibition of works on the theme of Gainsbourg.
Saint-Cyr cap
Exhibition at the Cornette de Saint Cyr mansion.
BOA Gallery
This is the first time Variation No. 4 has been performed.
Variations 5 and 5a
Performing the last two variations.
La Baule
Latest exhibition in La Baule.
