Clément Cogitore: The Evil Eye

The Espace Louis Vuitton Venezia presents “The Evil Eye”, an exhibition dedicated to French artist Clément Cogitore. Produced within the framework of the Fondation Louis Vuitton “Hors-les-murs” programme, which unfolds at the Espaces Louis Vuitton in Tokyo, Munich, Venice, Beijing, Seoul, and Osaka, this show carries on the Fondation’s mission to engage with broader audiences by showcasing holdings from the Collection in international venues.

A weaver of visual narratives, Clément Cogitore draws inspiration from the vibrant threads of human experience, intertwining ethnographic observations with the expressive language of dance and the evocative power of historical and contemporary imagery. His artistic vision is fuelled by a fascination with the enduring nature of ritual, the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, the fluid construction of identity, and the persuasive force of images.

He explores the persistence of ritual, examining how these practices shape both individual and collective identities, evolving in response to the relentless currents of globalization and the ever-changing landscape of modern life. Cogitore also delves into the intricate relationship between tradition and modernity, revealing the tensions and connections that bind these seemingly disparate forces, illustrating how they can coexist, challenge, and enrich one another.

Focused on the construction of identity, he dissects the cultural forces, social structures, and personal choices that shape human beings. Cogitore’s work has garnered significant acclaim, including three César nominations in 2016 and 2019, and two selections at the Cannes International Film Festival Critic’s Week (2015 and 2019). Intrigued by the power of images, he manipulates found footage to expose the narratives they create and how these influence our perceptions of the world.

“The Evil Eye”, an installation created in 2018 specifically for the Marcel Duchamp Prize, stands as a milestone in his artistic journey, having been awarded the prestigious distinction. While dissecting our relationship with images, using stock footage to expose manipulation techniques rooted in crowd psychology and consumerism, this video artwork plays with green screen backdrops and overexposed imagery, revealing a dystopian vision of artificial happiness, designed to incite acquisitiveness. This piece also critiques constructed identity, architecture, and urbanism, highlighting how idealized and commodified spaces can lead to alienation.

In essence, it stands as an invitation to contemplate the human condition, to question the boundaries between reality and representation, and to explore the enduring power of culture in shaping our lives.