Mathieu Mercier Curates Exhibition Exploring Sex and Seriality Through Michèle Didier's Artist Books
Independent publisher Michèle Didier tasked artist Mathieu Mercier with curating "Sexe, Béatitude et Logique Comptable" (Sex, Beatitude and Accounting Logic) from her collection of printed works. The exhibition focused on themes of raw sexuality and conceptual serial art. Featured erotic pieces included Mercier's "Journal" (2015) with 28 nude images, Annette Messager's "Mes Dessins Secrets" (2011) showcasing 76 drawings, and Leigh Ledare's "Double Bind" (2012) comprising 371 photographs. Conceptual works highlighted On Kawara's "Trilogy" (1968-1979), Allan McCollum's "The Book of Shapes" (2010), and Robert Barry's "One Billion Colored Dots" (2008). Mercier presented the artists through imagined vices, and the exhibition's design offered unique viewing experiences. ArtReview featured a review in its April 2015 issue.
Key facts
- Mathieu Mercier curated "Sexe, Béatitude et Logique Comptable" for Michèle Didier's publishing catalogue
- The exhibition contrasted erotic works with conceptual serial pieces
- Erotic selections included Mercier's "Journal", Messager's "Mes Dessins Secrets", and Ledare's "Double Bind"
- Conceptual works featured Kawara's "Trilogy", McCollum's "The Book of Shapes", and Barry's "One Billion Colored Dots"
- Erotic works were displayed in low vitrines requiring viewers to bend over
- Conceptual books were placed on accessible shelves for handling
- Mercier assigned hypothetical vices to each artist in his curatorial framework
- The exhibition was reviewed in ArtReview's April 2015 issue
Entities
Artists
- Mathieu Mercier
- Annette Messager
- Leigh Ledare
- On Kawara
- Allan McCollum
- Robert Barry
- Meghan Ledare-Fedderly
- Adam Fedderly
Institutions
- Michèle Didier
- ArtReview