Gérard Rancinan
Wonderful World
Thursday 7 June–Sunday 24 June 2012
Opening: Thursday 7 June, 6:30–9:30pm
Press/collector preview: Wednesday 6 June, 6:30–9:30pm
Panel discussion: Fine art photography – the state of play
Featuring Gérard Rancinan, Caroline Gaudriault, Sebastien Montabonel
Moderated by Sue Steward
Thursday 21 June, 6:30–8pm
Londonewcastle Project Space
28 Redchurch Street
London E2 7DP
Hours: Tue–Sat 11–7pm, Sun 12–6pm
info [at] thefuturetense.net
www.rancinan.com
www.thefuturetense.net
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The Future Tense in association with Opera Gallery is pleased to present Wonderful World—the concluding act in Gérard Rancinan and Caroline Gaudriault’s Trilogy of the Moderns.
Situated somewhere between comedy and tragedy, this vivid photographic tableau and accompanying texts paints a picture of a confused humanity, groping blindly in the darkness, obsessed with the cult of celebrity and guided only by an absolute desire for generalised, prescribed happiness.
As committed witnesses of the metamorphoses affecting society, photographer Gérard Rancinan and writer Caroline Gaudriault have engaged in an ongoing dialogue, delivering their dual observations on a generation seeking relentless progress at any cost.
Fresh from La Triennale di Milano, which saw over 10,000 visitors in the first two weeks, Rancinan brings this revolution in three acts to a close, unveiling the complete Wonderful World series for the first time.
The exhibition will also offer attendees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be immortalised in art history as part of the final Wonderful World composition, which will be cast, shot, and subsequently unveiled at the Londonewcastle Project Space over the course of the show.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, The Future Tense will publish a new print edition by Gérard Rancinan. Entitled Head of Mickey, this 30 x 30 inch C-print is limited to a signed and numbered edition of 20 + 4 Artist Proofs.
Wonderful World is kindly supported by Londonewcastle, Courvoisier, and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
About Gérard Rancinan
Born in the Bordeaux region, Gérard Rancinan travels the globe, bearing first-hand witness to events of historical importance. With his imperious need to express himself, he delivers startling images of the contemporary world filtered through an ever-evolving aesthetic prism.
His original perspective is applied both to real-life situations and authentic mises-en-scène, veritable simulacra of our world. His oeuvre is entirely original. He uses photography as a means of expression and commitment. For Rancinan, photography is above all an instrument of thought, a militant perspective on our era. His approach is recognised by the world of contemporary art.
Rancinan is a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
About Caroline Gaudriault
An independent journalist, Caroline Gaudriault has, for many years, published articles and features in international magazines including Paris Match, The Sunday Times, Stern, and Time, working on major projects around the world. She has collaborated with Rancinan for more than fifteen years.
Expressing a particular interest in human commitment and historically significant events and movements, she works ceaselessly to preserve traces of memory.
In order to further her research into contemporary society, she regularly interviews the leading thinkers of our time.
About The Future Tense
The Future Tense seeks to challenge preconceived notions of the traditional gallery space, delivering a rigorous, inspiring and engaging contemporary art programme to a discerning international audience.
Founded with the primary aim of supporting the career progression of emerging artists, The Future Tense works with a focused roster of represented talent as well as a broader cross-section of established artists via curated exhibitions and events.
Beyond its core arts platform, The Future Tense also develops a range of ambitious arts-related projects including the prestigious RE:DEFINE benefit exhibition and auction, which has featured artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracy Emin, Gavin Turk, and Shepard Fairey. Debuting in Dallas in November 2011, the event was established with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Goss-Michael Foundation and has raised almost 800,000 USD for the AIDS charity to date.
