1997–2002Painting
Leroy + Leroy
The founding body of work. Two brothers painting on the same canvas. 1997–2002.
The founding body of work. Two brothers painting simultaneously on the same large-format canvas. The process described as a dialogue conducted in paint rather than words — part game, part argument, neither author in full control of the outcome.
Active 1997–2002. Exhibited at Carte Blanche, International Centre for Contemporary Art, Château de Carros, 2002.
Critical Writing
Written by Frédéric Altmann, Director of the International Centre for Contemporary Art, Château de Carros, 2001.
Contemporary art will always surprise me, and as further proof, I present LEROY + LEROY, two young painters. The Leroys are blood brothers. They share another commonality: they express themselves together on the same canvas. Unlike the duo Gilbert & George, they do not dress identically; but on the other hand, they share the same studio in the hills of Saint-Paul de Vence. So, no common ground with the famous Gilbert & George... except for a shared passion for art and its history.
They start (in consultation) with a pictorial discussion that quickly turns into a boxing match, an attempted power grab. They express themselves by laying down the rules of the game (and of the self). "Since we are brothers, we understand each other well and can work together on a piece without problems, which partially explains the large size of the canvases."
"We paint like two people having a dialogue, except we use paint instead of words. Like a game of chess, we don't speak and try to corner the opponent in their moves. Checkmate! The game is over, the work is finished. We don't touch it anymore. The winner signs first: that's the rule of the game!"
Leroy + Leroy say their inspiration "comes from everything we live, read, see, and feel. We improvise like a jazzman playing free jazz. No constraining patterns, no prohibitions: everything is allowed. What we wanted to express or transmit to the public is painted on the canvas."
With frenzy and spontaneity, Leroy + Leroy project paint onto the canvas, and in this four-handed construction, signs and shapes appear, sometimes integrating collages. Texts inscribed in several languages serve as potential landmarks. Dominant colors—with blues, oranges, and flamboyant reds—captivate the eye.
Do we have the impression of looking at a puzzle? Spontaneous images appear, twirling with ease in space. Observing every detail, we discover within this pictorial labyrinth—and as a leitmotif—a small black character moving through this chaotic and ravaging universe. Images that transition with ease from Abstraction to Figuration. It is a world that seems close to "Figuration Libre," with obvious affinities to Jean-Michel Basquiat and accents of the late Michel Macréau.
We are close to reading the "Tags" and graffiti that now anonymously adorn city walls: the walls speak, and so does the painting of Leroy + Leroy. It is a singular body of work that deserves attention because it speaks to us of the doubts and uncertainties of our world... We will follow with interest this new pictorial adventure—young and refreshing—which steps off the beaten path with strength and conviction.
They start (in consultation) with a pictorial discussion that quickly turns into a boxing match, an attempted power grab. They express themselves by laying down the rules of the game (and of the self). "Since we are brothers, we understand each other well and can work together on a piece without problems, which partially explains the large size of the canvases."
"We paint like two people having a dialogue, except we use paint instead of words. Like a game of chess, we don't speak and try to corner the opponent in their moves. Checkmate! The game is over, the work is finished. We don't touch it anymore. The winner signs first: that's the rule of the game!"
Leroy + Leroy say their inspiration "comes from everything we live, read, see, and feel. We improvise like a jazzman playing free jazz. No constraining patterns, no prohibitions: everything is allowed. What we wanted to express or transmit to the public is painted on the canvas."
With frenzy and spontaneity, Leroy + Leroy project paint onto the canvas, and in this four-handed construction, signs and shapes appear, sometimes integrating collages. Texts inscribed in several languages serve as potential landmarks. Dominant colors—with blues, oranges, and flamboyant reds—captivate the eye.
Do we have the impression of looking at a puzzle? Spontaneous images appear, twirling with ease in space. Observing every detail, we discover within this pictorial labyrinth—and as a leitmotif—a small black character moving through this chaotic and ravaging universe. Images that transition with ease from Abstraction to Figuration. It is a world that seems close to "Figuration Libre," with obvious affinities to Jean-Michel Basquiat and accents of the late Michel Macréau.
We are close to reading the "Tags" and graffiti that now anonymously adorn city walls: the walls speak, and so does the painting of Leroy + Leroy. It is a singular body of work that deserves attention because it speaks to us of the doubts and uncertainties of our world... We will follow with interest this new pictorial adventure—young and refreshing—which steps off the beaten path with strength and conviction.
"No restrictions. No proscriptions. Everything is allowed."