Julien Creuzet, a promising sculptor with a knack for repurposing found objects and weaving oral tales into his works, is set to make a splash at the 2024 Venice biennale as France's representative. Notably, he'll be the first French-Caribbean artist to claim the French pavilion, succeeding Zineb Sedira, who became the first artist of Algerian origin to do so in 2022.
Creuzet often creates complex installations that combine sculptures, videos, music and poetry. His work explores his dual identity and heritage, as well as the social and political realities of the Caribbean diaspora. He draws on the concept of creolization, which refers to the mixing and hybridization of cultures and languages in the context of colonialism and slavery. His sculptures are made of various materials that he collects or recycles, such as metal, plastic, rope, wood, and textiles.
With exhibitions spanning across France and beyond, Creuzet has made his mark in the international art world. His exceptional talent has been recognized with nominations for prestigious awards like the Prix Marcel Duchamp and winning the Étant Donnés Prize at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019. In 2019, he also made a significant splash with his first solo exhibition in a UK institution at the Camden Art Centre in London.
Now, this groundbreaking artist's selection for the French pavilion at the Venice Biennale heralds a historic moment in the art world. In a departure from the pavilion's usual representation of white artists, Creuzet's inclusion marks a new direction and acknowledgment of his unique and innovative artistic vision that transcends traditional boundaries and categories. The French pavilion at the Venice Biennale offers the perfect opportunity for Creuzet to showcase his work to a global audience, as well as engage with the themes and questions that are at the forefront of our collective consciousness.