Erró, Jean- Jacques Lebel

More about the book

The friendship between Erró and Jean-Jacques Lebel began in a student cafeteria in Florence in 1955. Their contrasting childhoods shaped their artistic perspectives: Jean-Jacques grew up in New York, immersed in the art world with figures like Marcel Duchamp and André Breton, while Erró spent his youth on a farm in Iceland. This divergence in backgrounds is reflected in their art. Erró employs imagery reminiscent of Pop artists, such as Wonder Woman, but critiques and transforms these symbols, presenting them in an ironic context. For instance, while a typical Pop artist might glorify the dollar sign, Erró uses it to comment on capitalism. In contrast, Jean-Jacques Lebel's work is less thematic; he is renowned for his performance art and collages made from everyday materials, often exploring erotic themes and taboos rather than traditional notions of high art. The catalog showcases the impressive body of work from these two distinct artists, highlighting their different techniques and media. Their ongoing friendship underscores the richness of their artistic dialogue and the creative tension arising from their varied experiences and approaches.