PARIS.- For this new exhibition at the Danysz Gallery, Charles Pétillon takes a significant step forward in his artistic and photographic approach. Known for his monumental and spectacular balloon installations, the artist proposes a major evolution here: he blends different universes by combining photography, installation, and reconstructed settings. These settings take the form of reinterpreted and intentionally ‘imperfect’ architectures, in which the materials, purposefully left visible, contribute to the expressive power of the work.

Far from hiding the traces of construction, Charles Pétillon embraces and highlights the imperfections of the reconstructed decor created for the occasion: exposed wooden structures, incomplete finishes... Every detail, carefully considered, helps to reveal a poetry of reality where authenticity takes precedence over perfection. As the artist explains, "It is in these small imperfections that poetry takes shape." His works celebrate a reconstructed reality, inviting free and sincere contemplation.

The balloons, now a visual beacon, interact with these settings to emphasize the duality between reality and the reconstruction of the image. A photograph, for example, might depict a brutalist architecture where raw materials and fragmentary finishes are visible. Far from being mistakes, these elements are an integral part of the creative process.

Alongside the photographs, the artist also presents sculptures echoing his permanent installations created around the world. Through a playful shift in scale, Charles Pétillon transforms these monumental works into domestic objects, redefining the relationship between intimate spaces and artistic forms.

The exhibition experience is enriched by an immersive audio in which Charles Pétillon offers a personal narration of his working methods. Through his voice and words, he guides visitors through his inspirations, creative process, and reflections on imperfection and the reconstruction of reality. This intimate and captivating narration allows a deeper understanding of the subtleties of his work, drawing the audience into the heart of the exhibition.

Additionally, a video accompanies the exhibition, revealing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creation process: the selection of materials, the meticulous crafting of the sets, and the staging of the balloons. Together, these visual, auditory, and sculptural elements transform the exhibition space into a fully immersive sensory experience.

Known for his monumental installations and in-situ photographs, Charles Pétillon explores through his practice the complex relationship between humans and their environment, highlighting the fragility and beauty of imperfection.

During his exhibition at the Danysz gallery in 2022, the artist had already captivated the public with his iconic balloons, central elements in a subtle dialogue between reality and reconstruction.

With this new solo show, Charles Pétillon pushes the boundaries of his artistic universe and offers a unique immersive experience. Through an audio and video narrative, he invites visitors into his creative process, sharing his inspirations and the reflections that shape his work.

By embracing the visibility of materials, the imperfection of the settings, and incorporating an immersive auditory dimension, he introduces a new artistic language that is both free and poetic. The exhibition invites visitors to explore an unexpected beauty, where imperfection reveals its full strength and poetry.