Philippe Cognée takes up galerie Daniel Templon new exhibition space located Impasse Beaubourg, with a surprising installation. Entitled Carcasses, the exhibition gives a panoptic view of a slaughterhouse.

Achieved in 2003, this series of 36 small paintings was presented in numerous exhibitions, notably at MAMCO in Geneva in 2006. It is presented for the first time in Paris.

Philippe Cognée explores the theme of the skinned ox, so important for Rembrandt, Soutine or Bacon. But here, the huge pieces of flesh are bathed in a vivid and intense light.

Yet, the artist uses a technique where wax is heated up with an iron which creates an impression of bluriness and reveal his investigations of the notions of memory and gaze.

This accumulation of carcasses raises questions on consumerism as well as on the cinematographic glance.

At the beginning of the catalogue, all the works are presented in thumbnails, giving an emphasis on this aspect in a sensational way.

The catalogue also presents a text by the artist, who describes the arrival in the slaughterhouse, an “oppressive and strange atmosphere reigns in this sacrificial chamber”.

Born in 1957, Philippe Cognée lives and works in Nantes. His work has been exhibited internationally and appears in numerous public collections such as Fondation Cartier, Musée National d’Art Moderne, Musée Ludwig or Fonds National d’Art Contemporain.