Ernest Pignon-Ernest: Making 'Work' of Situations

In an interview with an art publication, French artist Ernest Pignon-Ernest, celebrated for his temporary street art, elaborates on his creative approach. A self-taught artist, he abandoned formal education at 15 and drew inspiration from Picasso. His technique involves placing serigraphed images of human figures in urban environments, with the goal of 'making work of situations.' Notably, in 1966, he stenciled the shadows of nuclear blast victims near the Plateau d'Albion to protest France's nuclear capabilities. For the centenary of the Paris Commune, he crafted a route through significant historical sites using delicate paper images. His series in Naples during the 1990s explored local legends. Pignon-Ernest dismisses the need for institutional approval, critiques those who overlook his work, and has ongoing projects in Soweto and a Mediterranean series. His recent exhibitions include Galerie Lelong (2000) and Centre Pompidou (1996).