15 - Xavier Veilhan (born in 1963)

Xavier Veilhan (born in 1963) *Le Gisant [Self-Portrait]* 2006 Birch plywood One-of-a-kind piece H. 25 cm W. 190 cm D. 83 cm Provenance: > Galerie Perrotin, Paris (acquired in 2007, inventory no. 11238) > Private collection, Paris A graduate of the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris and the Institut des hautes études en arts plastiques, Xavier Veilhan is a major figure in modern sculpture, distinguished in particular by his use of technology to create his sculptures. Indeed, his use of 3D scanning allows him to achieve this distinctive angular appearance. Here, Xavier Veilhan departs from the polygonal faceted system used for his public sculptures in favor of a realistic, albeit schematic, silhouette. Another notable difference from his monumental installations—which can be admired in Bordeaux (“Le Lion”), Paris (“Piano & Rogers”), Lille (“Romy”), or New York (“Jean-Marc”)—is his move away from bright colors in favor of wood and the contrasts offered by plywood. This restraint goes hand in hand with the subject matter. Drawing on the tradition of funerary recumbent sculptures, in which the figure is depicted lying flat on its back, the artist explores the subject of the portrait (and the self-portrait), which is central to art history and the hierarchy of genres. The art of portraiture has evolved from a funerary and religious function toward the affirmation of the individual, political power, and ultimately modern subjectivity.