Francesc Ruiz Abad

For the upcoming edition of the Bienial JCE, the city of Montrouge has invited Francesc Ruiz Abad, winner of the Grand Prix of JCE Biennial 2017 to realize a site-specifc installation. His proposal is to install an Arch of Triumph at the center of Emile Cresp square. This arch doesn’t aim to tell any story about victories from old Empires. This arch is a monument dedicated to Tiredness and Power.
As a foreigner in Paris, the artist was impressed by the enormous quantity of lions that are integrated in the architecture of the city, guarding the entrances of buildings . The lion is a strong symbol of western power, of masculinity and patriarchy. In the context of our contemporary society, where the dictatorship of well-being and happiness is omnipresent, the artist questions the sense and meaning of these monuments and symbols.

Press:
Estelle Dautry “Montrouge: C’est quoi cet arc de triomphe jaune devant le beffroi?” Le Parisien (FR)
Watch video by Biltzar Media of the installation process