Daniel Marchesseau

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The Lalannes

Daniel Marchesseau

Synopsis:
The sculptures of Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne are in their different ways unique. Metamorphosing the most familiar subjects into a quasi-surrealist world, their creations, amassed over the last 35 years, bear witness to two of the most original artistic imaginations at work today. While Claude imagines a reality based on numerous different images, where crocodiles entwine the backs of chairs, cabbages sprout legs and feet, and apples break into a smile, Francois-Xavier produces full-size, articulated beasts in metal -- a rhino which doubles as a secretaire, a hippo bath-tub, a gorilla fireplace.... Associated originally with the Nouveaux Realistes of 1960s' Paris, the Lalannes have developed individual but related styles which have allowed them to collaborate with creators such as Yves Saint Laurent, for whom Claude created copper torso-molds for his models. The works of both artists describe a freedom from the classifications, as well as from the physical spaces of the artistic academy. Designed for living in and around, certain sculptures form landscapes which find echoes in French gardens of the eighteenth cenury, in Art Nouveau organic structures, and even in the illusions of r in modern theme parks. Known internationally today for their collaboration on a architectural gardens and the art of topiary, the Lalannes have created rich and fascinating world which will delight connoisseurs, and enchant those unfamiliar with their work. Fully illustrated in color, including specially commissioned photography of the Lalannes' most recent works, this beautiful book is published to coincide with a major exhibition of their creations to be held at the Chateau de la Bagatelle inParis in 1998. Their work has been shown at The Art Institute of Chicago (1967), Centre national d'art contemporain, Paris (1975), The Whitechapel Art Gallery, London (1976), and the Chateau de Chenonceau (1991).

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Other editions: 2003, 2000, 1998, Softcover - 1998, Hardcover - 1996, 1993, Hardcover - 1990, 1989, Hardcover - 1987, 1986