SABINE PIGALLE

(FR)

Sabine Pigalle, a French artist and photographer born in 1963 in Rouen, blends the contemporary with echoes of ancient art in her explorative and thought-provoking work. After studying at the Sorbonne University and collaborating with the iconic Helmut Newton in fashion photography, Pigalle shifted her focus to personal projects that delve into reinterpretations of myths, collective memory, and archetypal narratives.

Drawing inspiration from religious history, mythology, and the works of Flemish Primitives and Mannerist painters, Pigalle creates hybrid imagery that bridges time and tradition. Her portraits are transformative, transcending conventional depictions to combine elements of painting and photography, figuration and abstraction, ancient archetypes, and modern sensibilities. These works challenge viewers to reconsider their perspectives on history and identity while exploring the tenuous boundaries between reality and fiction.

One of Pigalle’s notable projects is the Covidcoin series, a collaboration with Artstamp, which merges art and socio-economic commentary. Reflecting on the global turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this series interrogates the impact of economic globalization during a time of crisis. Through 23 distinct coin designs, including a unique depiction of Danish Queen Margrethe II, Pigalle invites contemplation on the fragility of economic systems and the necessity of envisioning a new type of economy. This project underscores her ability to connect contemporary challenges with broader human narratives.

Pigalle’s body of work exists at the intersection of art and commentary, balancing aesthetic innovation with poignant cultural reflections. As a member of a new generation of artists, she navigates the shifting boundaries between the tangible and the conceptual, inviting audiences to explore the stories and symbols that shape humanity across time.

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