ART SAINT BARTH / Gustavia, 97133 Saint Barthelemy/ T + 33 (0) 6 73 31 10 30 phil@artsaintbarth.com / www.artsaintbarth.com

JEAN-CHARLES DE CASTELBAJAC

“PHANTOMS OF EDEN”

Exhibition July 20 – August 4 EDEN ROCK GALLERY – ST JEAN BAY, ST BARTHÉLEMY

On the occasion of the release of his ʻcatalog raisonnéʼ MY WAY published by Rizzoli, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac will share this summer his artistic universe with art lovers, visitors and residents of St Barthelemy. The creative genius will be in residence at the Villa Polaroid, a new contemporary villa built on the hills of Saint-Jean, where he will be producing several works. In the mythological context of the Eden Rock, jewel of the island, also known for its art gallery, the prolific Jean-Charles de Castelbajac presents Phantoms of Eden, a new series of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and objects. Pop culture is his source, for its worship of renewal, and the work is an explosion of primary and frank colors. Nostalgic for the future, and of Caspers of the twentieth century, the good friend of Keith Haring revisits the codes of Pop Art through this exhibition. «Iʼve always been fascinated by the paintings in the paintings, things that are part memory, part present, Iʼm interested in the history within an image presented to us as a single picture.» Phantoms of Eden is an homage to the richness of this hyper-pop culture and its few well-kept secrets… For nearly forty years the «pop-fashion» continues to weave a tasty dialogue between art and fashion. Some exclusive pieces from his latest collection will be visible at RockShop until the end of November, a series of events on the island will accompany the residence of the artist: book signing of his catalog, an exhibition of drawings, an installation in a public space. Studio visits by appointment at Villa Polaroid. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac a born designer, made his first coat in a blanket while he was a resident in a religious institute. The young man attended the famous artschool ʻEcole des Beaux-Artsʼ and the fashion school ʻEcole supérieure des industries du vêtementʼ, and has never ceased to create a dialogue between the duality of his two passions, art and fashion. During the 70s, Jean-Charles made some memorable encounters that will confirm his vocation: Malcolm McLaren, the Sex Pistols, Andy Warhol... Creating his own brand in 1978, he soon ranks among the most prominent designers, and is asked to teach in all the major fashion schools and to show his work in exhibitions in New York or London. In 1982, the parade of dresses painted by Jean-Charles Blais, Combas, Hervé Di Rosa, Ben, Annette Messager, Keith Haring disturbs the art system, only Yvon Lambert Gallery support the approach, while others consider this cross-over dangerous for the price rate of artists. Presented at the FIAC in 1983, these dresses did anticipate the current trend of breaking boundaries between contemporary art and life. Another unexpected project, in 1997 Jean-Charles is asked to design a cape, or ʻchasubleʼ for the Pope by the Vatican. He dresses today the biggest international stars such as singer Lady Gaga or Kanye West. The design of Jean-Charles embroidered with multicolored cross is worn by Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day. In addition to its activity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac specializes in graphics and design, opening his first concept store in Paris in 1999. Stylist, designer, illustrator, writer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is a master of all of creations. For over 30 years, his vision has been to make playful and colorful art as an antidote against the gloom. The works of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac will be presented at Eden Gallery from July 20 juillet and at the Villa Polaroïd by appointment from July 24. Until late November a series of events will accompany the residency of the artiste. Complete program on www.artsaintbarth.com