Artist: Julien Creuzet
Exhibition title: The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe
Venue: High Art, Paris, France
Date: February 24 – May 8, 2023
Photography: all images copyright and courtesy of the artist and High Art, Paris
Note: Exhibition’s press release is available here
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „[Dim light. The disturbing aura of a vodou ceremony] MADAME CHRISTOPHE [the queen, singing]: My sickness lay me down, cyan’ get up, I going north, I’m not from over here, God call me, I sick, I going to the North, God call me, I going there [twice] I going north, I’m not from over here, God call me, I going there” (off stage) St. Peter Healing the Sick with His Shadow, 2023, Print on nonwoven wallpaper, 270 x 480 cm / 106 1/4 x 189 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe, 2023, exhibition view, High Art, Paris
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: Tinkling – Bozomu (Bali, Ndaka), Elondja (Mongo, Tetela), Elonja (Pygmées), Elonja / Elonza (Mbole), Elonza (Hamba, Ngando), Elonza (Elonja) (Boyela), Elunzia (Kusu), Epam (Mputu), Gong (Kongo), Iyembu (Leele), Kalengele ((Wa) Lese), Lilon-ga (Ngombe), lley (Mputu), Lokuku (Mongo), Lubemb (Lunda), Lubembo (Luba, Songye), Ludibu (Luba), Lukèlendè (Luba), Madwila (Sala Mpasu), Mayembu (Iyembu) (Leele), Mokembe (Ngombe), Ndje (Len-du), Negbongbo (Mangbetu), Ngezo (Tshokwe), Ngonga (Hamba, Kutu, Ndengese, Pygmées), Ngongi (Mpangu, Mputu), Ngongi (Ngondji) (Kongo), Ngunga (Tetela), Ngunga (Ngonga) (Mongo), Njeke (Mongo), Nkonga (Boyela), Rupwamb (Lunda), Tuzundo (Tshokwe), 2023, PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, brass bells, electrical wiring 300 x 150 x 35 cm / 118 1/8 x 59 x 13 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: Tinkling – Bozomu (Bali, Ndaka), Elondja (Mongo, Tetela), Elonja (Pygmées), Elonja / Elonza (Mbole), Elonza (Hamba, Ngando), Elonza (Elonja) (Boyela), Elunzia (Kusu), Epam (Mputu), Gong (Kongo), Iyembu (Leele), Kalengele ((Wa) Lese), Lilon-ga (Ngombe), lley (Mputu), Lokuku (Mongo), Lubemb (Lunda), Lubembo (Luba, Songye), Ludibu (Luba), Lukèlendè (Luba), Madwila (Sala Mpasu), Mayembu (Iyembu) (Leele), Mokembe (Ngombe), Ndje (Len-du), Negbongbo (Mangbetu), Ngezo (Tshokwe), Ngonga (Hamba, Kutu, Ndengese, Pygmées), Ngongi (Mpangu, Mputu), Ngongi (Ngondji) (Kongo), Ngunga (Tetela), Ngunga (Ngonga) (Mongo), Njeke (Mongo), Nkonga (Boyela), Rupwamb (Lunda), Tuzundo (Tshokwe), 2023, PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, brass bells, vinyl, electrical wiring, rice 300 x 150 x 35 cm / 118 1/8 x 59 x 13 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: Tinkling – Bozomu (Bali, Ndaka), Elondja (Mongo, Tetela), Elonja (Pygmées), Elonja / Elonza (Mbole), Elonza (Hamba, Ngando), Elonza (Elonja) (Boyela), Elunzia (Kusu), Epam (Mputu), Gong (Kongo), Iyembu (Leele), Kalengele ((Wa) Lese), Lilon-ga (Ngombe), lley (Mputu), Lokuku (Mongo), Lubemb (Lunda), Lubembo (Luba, Songye), Ludibu (Luba), Lukèlendè (Luba), Madwila (Sala Mpasu), Mayembu (Iyembu) (Leele), Mokembe (Ngombe), Ndje (Len-du), Negbongbo (Mangbetu), Ngezo (Tshokwe), Ngonga (Hamba, Kutu, Ndengese, Pygmées), Ngongi (Mpangu, Mputu), Ngongi (Ngondji) (Kongo), Ngunga (Tetela), Ngunga (Ngonga) (Mongo), Njeke (Mongo), Nkonga (Boyela), Rupwamb (Lunda), Tuzundo (Tshokwe), 2023 (detail), PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, brass bells, vinyl, electrical wiring, rice 300 x 150 x 35 cm / 118 1/8 x 59 x 13 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „AFRICAN PAGE : Father, we place you in Ifé upon the hill of three palms Father, we place you in Ifé amid the sixteen points of the wind At the double-faced blade of origin Here, patience and haste defeat and victory Heap of shells dark against sunlight exchange their spears, their tears Violence of night, flood-tide of day, SHANGO I salute you O… when you pass Through the hidden paths of the sky Mounted on rams inflamed by the storm.”, 2023 Wood, PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, electrical wiring 282 x 60 x 30 cm / 111 x 23 5/8 x 11 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „AFRICAN PAGE : Father, we place you in Ifé upon the hill of three palms Father, we place you in Ifé amid the sixteen points of the wind At the do-uble-faced blade of origin Here, patience and haste defeat and victory Heap of shells dark against sunli-ght exchange their spears, their tears Violence of night, flood-tide of day, SHANGO I salute you O… when you pass Through the hidden paths of the sky Mounted on rams inflamed by the storm.”, 2023 (detail) Wood, PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, electrical wiring 282 x 60 x 30 cm / 111 x 23 5/8 x 11 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023, Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, red beans, rice, 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023 (detail), Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, red beans, rice 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „ Vastey [ addressing the king ]: King, on our shoulders we have carried you here by way of the mountain, at the height of the flood. For your path had a name: Thirst-of-the-Mountain. And see, you are once more the king who stands, suspending above the abyss your own memorial plaque. You tender-hearted stars you born from the funeral pyre of the Ethio-pian Memnon Birds that scatter the pollen design for him his immortal coat-of-arms: on an azure field, red phoenix crowned with gold. [Solemn fanfares and salvos of cannon.]”, 2023 Acrylic paint on wood,, 79 x 61 x 44 cm / 31 1/8 x 24 x 17 3/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „ Vastey [ addressing the king ]: King, on our shoulders we have carried you here by way of the mountain, at the height of the flood. For your path had a name: Thirst-of-the-Mountain. And see, you are once more the king who stands, suspending above the abyss your own memorial plaque. You tender-hearted stars you born from the funeral pyre of the Ethio-pian Memnon Birds that scatter the pollen design for him his immortal coat-of-arms: on an azure field, red phoenix crowned with gold. [Solemn fanfares and salvos of cannon.]”, 2023 (detail) Acrylic paint on wood, 79 x 61 x 44 cm / 31 1/8 x 24 x 17 3/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „ RAFT-KEEPER CAPTAIN: Well it’s there that we have to push hardest. And we got no choice. On the Great Salty, someone will throw you a rope. If you catch it, that’s fine, you’ll reach land and moor there. If you fail, God help you! Then all you can do is throw yourself in the arms of Mama Water.”, 2023, PCL plastic on steel, thread, fabric, electrical wiring 170 x 110 x 110 cm / 66 7/8 x 43 1/4 x 43 1/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „ RAFT-KEEPER CAPTAIN: Well it’s there that we have to push hardest. And we got no choice. On the Great Salty, someone will throw you a rope. If you catch it, that’s fine, you’ll reach land and moor there. If you fail, God help you! Then all you can do is throw yourself in the arms of Mama Water.”, 2023 (detail), PCL plastic on steel, thread, fabric, electrical wiring 170 x 110 x 110 cm / 66 7/8 x 43 1/4 x 43 1/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Asòtò) „HUGONIN [singing] Damballah, he plant his corn Yes, he plant his corn Mosquito bite him to the blood — This nation not so good, This nation not so good.”, 2023, Goatskin, fabric, UV print on vinyl, thread, electrical wiring 160 x 70 x 54 cm / 63 x 27 1/2 x 21 1/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Asòtò) „HUGONIN [singing] Damballah, he plant his corn Yes, he plant his corn Mosquito bite him to the blood — This nation not so good, This nation not so good.”, 2023 (detail), Goatskin, fabric, UV print on vinyl, thread, electrical wiring 160 x 70 x 54 cm / 63 x 27 1/2 x 21 1/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Asòtò) „HUGONIN [singing] Damballah, he plant his corn Yes, he plant his corn Mosquito bite him to the blood — This nation not so good, This nation not so good.”, 2023, Goatskin, fabric, UV print on vinyl, thread, electrical wiring, synthetic dreadlocks 155 x 75 x 50 cm / 61 x 29 1/2 x 19 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Asòtò) „HUGONIN [singing] Damballah, he plant his corn Yes, he plant his corn Mosquito bite him to the blood — This nation not so good, This nation not so good.”, 2023 (detail), Goatskin, fabric, UV print on vinyl, thread, electrical wiring, synthetic dreadlocks 155 x 75 x 50 cm / 61 x 29 1/2 x 19 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Asòtò) „HUGONIN [singing] Damballah, he plant his corn Yes, he plant his corn Mosquito bite him to the blood — This nation not so good, This nation not so good.”, 2023 (detail), Goatskin, fabric, UV print on vinyl, thread, electrical wiring, synthetic dreadlocks 155 x 75 x 50 cm / 61 x 29 1/2 x 19 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023, Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, corn, black-eyed beans, 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023 (detail), Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, corn, black-eyed beans 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: Tinkling – Bozomu (Bali, Ndaka), Elondja (Mongo, Tetela), Elonja (Pygmées), Elonja / Elonza (Mbole), Elonza (Hamba, Ngando), Elonza (Elonja) (Boyela), Elunzia (Kusu), Epam (Mputu), Gong (Kongo), Iyembu (Leele), Kalengele ((Wa) Lese), Lilon-ga (Ngombe), lley (Mputu), Lokuku (Mongo), Lubemb (Lunda), Lubembo (Luba, Songye), Ludibu (Luba), Lukèlendè (Luba), Madwila (Sala Mpasu), Mayembu (Iyembu) (Leele), Mokembe (Ngombe), Ndje (Len-du), Negbongbo (Mangbetu), Ngezo (Tshokwe), Ngonga (Hamba, Kutu, Ndengese, Pygmées), Ngongi (Mpangu, Mputu), Ngongi (Ngondji) (Kongo), Ngunga (Tetela), Ngunga (Ngonga) (Mongo), Njeke (Mongo), Nkonga (Boyela), Rupwamb (Lunda), Tuzundo (Tshokwe), 2023, PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, brass bells, vinyl, electrical wiring, rice 300 x 150 x 35 cm / 118 1/8 x 59 x 13 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: Tinkling – Bozomu (Bali, Ndaka), Elondja (Mongo, Tetela), Elonja (Pygmées), Elonja / Elonza (Mbole), Elonza (Hamba, Ngando), Elonza (Elonja) (Boyela), Elunzia (Kusu), Epam (Mputu), Gong (Kongo), Iyembu (Leele), Kalengele ((Wa) Lese), Lilon-ga (Ngombe), lley (Mputu), Lokuku (Mongo), Lubemb (Lunda), Lubembo (Luba, Songye), Ludibu (Luba), Lukèlendè (Luba), Madwila (Sala Mpasu), Mayembu (Iyembu) (Leele), Mokembe (Ngombe), Ndje (Len-du), Negbongbo (Mangbetu), Ngezo (Tshokwe), Ngonga (Hamba, Kutu, Ndengese, Pygmées), Ngongi (Mpangu, Mputu), Ngongi (Ngondji) (Kongo), Ngunga (Tetela), Ngunga (Ngonga) (Mongo), Njeke (Mongo), Nkonga (Boyela), Rupwamb (Lunda), Tuzundo (Tshokwe), 2023 (detail), PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, brass bells, vinyl, electrical wiring, rice 300 x 150 x 35 cm / 118 1/8 x 59 x 13 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „ [sinking down in his turn] By thunder! Who, who has set Bakulu Baka on me ? [In the sacristy of the Church of Limonade. Christophe with his eyes closed, the doctor and Christophe’s entourage. Fragments of choral singing ave heard from afar] Heaven’s queen Break the chains Of blackest hell, Quench the vile Fires below And all their rage dispel.”, 2023, Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, 162 x 130 x 3 cm / 63 3/4 x 51 1/8 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „ [sinking down in his turn] By thunder! Who, who has set Bakulu Baka on me ? [In the sacristy of the Church of Limonade. Christophe with his eyes closed, the doctor and Christophe’s entourage. Fragments of choral singing ave heard from afar] Heaven’s queen Break the chains Of blackest hell, Quench the vile Fires below And all their rage dispel.”, 2023 (detail), Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, 162 x 130 x 3 cm / 63 3/4 x 51 1/8 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „CHORUS [singing] : Henry, valiant Open for as victory’s doo, Henry, valiant warror! Shango Madia Elloue [repeated] Azango, Shango Madia Elloue [repeated] Sava Loue Sava Loue Azango, Shango Madia Elloue”, 2023 Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, 162 x 130 x 3 cm / 63 3/4 x 51 1/8 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: „CHORUS [singing] : Henry, valiant Open for as victory’s doo, Henry, valiant warror! Shango Madia Elloue [repeated] Azango, Shango Madia Elloue [repeated] Sava Loue Sava Loue Azango, Shango Madia Elloue”, 2023 (detail) Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, 162 x 130 x 3 cm / 63 3/4 x 51 1/8 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: Tinkling – Bozomu (Bali, Ndaka), Elondja (Mongo, Tetela), Elonja (Pygmées), Elonja / Elonza (Mbole), Elonza (Hamba, Ngando), Elonza (Elonja) (Boyela), Elunzia (Kusu), Epam (Mputu), Gong (Kongo), Iyembu (Leele), Kalengele ((Wa) Lese), Lilon-ga (Ngombe), lley (Mputu), Lokuku (Mongo), Lubemb (Lunda), Lubembo (Luba, Songye), Ludibu (Luba), Lukèlendè (Luba), Madwila (Sala Mpasu), Mayembu (Iyembu) (Leele), Mokembe (Ngombe), Ndje (Len-du), Negbongbo (Mangbetu), Ngezo (Tshokwe), Ngonga (Hamba, Kutu, Ndengese, Pygmées), Ngongi (Mpangu, Mputu), Ngongi (Ngondji) (Kongo), Ngunga (Tetela), Ngunga (Ngonga) (Mongo), Njeke (Mongo), Nkonga (Boyela), Rupwamb (Lunda), Tuzundo (Tshokwe), 2023, PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, brass bells, vinyl, electrical wiring, rice 300 x 150 x 35 cm / 118 1/8 x 59 x 13 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: Tinkling – Bozomu (Bali, Ndaka), Elondja (Mongo, Tetela), Elonja (Pygmées), Elonja / Elonza (Mbole), Elonza (Hamba, Ngando), Elonza (Elonja) (Boyela), Elunzia (Kusu), Epam (Mputu), Gong (Kongo), Iyembu (Leele), Kalengele ((Wa) Lese), Lilon-ga (Ngombe), lley (Mputu), Lokuku (Mongo), Lubemb (Lunda), Lubembo (Luba, Songye), Ludibu (Luba), Lukèlendè (Luba), Madwila (Sala Mpasu), Mayembu (Iyembu) (Leele), Mokembe (Ngombe), Ndje (Len-du), Negbongbo (Mangbetu), Ngezo (Tshokwe), Ngonga (Hamba, Kutu, Ndengese, Pygmées), Ngongi (Mpangu, Mputu), Ngongi (Ngondji) (Kongo), Ngunga (Tetela), Ngunga (Ngonga) (Mongo), Njeke (Mongo), Nkonga (Boyela), Rupwamb (Lunda), Tuzundo (Tshokwe), 2023 (detail), PCL plastic on steel, fabric, thread, brass bells, vinyl, electrical wiring, rice 300 x 150 x 35 cm / 118 1/8 x 59 x 13 3/4 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023, Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, rice, black beans, 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023 (detail), Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, rice, black beans 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023, Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, rice, black beans, 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Julien Creuzet, The Possessed of Pigalle or the Tragedy of King Christophe: (Remedy – Loco) „Gods of Africa! My body Lwa! Strong rope of the blood Father, fastener of blood Abobo Africa, my place of power Abobo”, 2023 (detail), Wood, acrylic paint, UV print on vinyl, thread, rice, black beans 131 x 97 x 3 cm / 51 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 1/8 in