We are thrilled to present Edouard and Bastien as members of our esteemed art collective, curated by Florence Moll. They embody the spirit of ikigAI and their genesis collection promises to be a captivating exploration of texture, form, and color, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards integrating avant-garde art with web3 tech.
Edouard Taufenbach and Bastien Pourtout are an acclaimed French artistic duo known for their innovative and evocative visual narratives. Taufenbach, holding a Master in Arts and Digital Media from Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne, and Pourtout, with a Master in Photography and Contemporary Art from Paris VIII, have been collaboratively exploring the boundaries of photography since their first joint project exhibited at Paris Photo "Spéculaire," in 2018.
Their residency at the Villa Médicis in Rome marked a pivotal point in their careers. It was here, during the creation of "Le bleu du ciel," that they explored the themes of freedom and creativity, capturing the swift flight of swallows in a series of checkered patterns.
This project, supported by the Swiss Life Foundation, was not only a critical success but also led to their works being featured in the collection of the Cité de la Musique at the Philharmonie de Paris and the Neuflize OBC fondation.
Furthermore, their notable publications, such as "Obsession Dietrich" by Éditions de L’Artiere, "Cinémode" by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Flammarion, and "The Age of Collage 3" by Gestalten, reflect their presence in renowned art circles.
“ When the sky is full of swallows, it's a hypnotic aerial dance, and we've used optical effects to recreate the incredible aerobatics and music of these birds' flight ”
Edouard Taufenbach & Bastien Pourtout, LBDC 09014001, 2020 €6,800.00
In 2022, Taufenbach and Pourtout showcased their unique vision through the "OBSESSION DIETRICH" exhibition, held in collaboration with Pierre Passebon. This project featured innovative photomontages derived from Marlene Dietrich's photographs, reflecting on the themes of time, immobility, and the multifaceted nature of her persona. Their technique, reminiscent of the chronophotography of Étienne-Jules Marey and the stroboscopic effects used by Harold Edgerton or Gjon Mili, demonstrates their ability to renew photographic tradition through modern digital means.
In 2023, their project "LE JARDIN QUI BASCULE" - was exhibited at Galerie C in Paris. This exhibition, a metaphorical reflection of their collaborative space, showcases their unique method of creating art—a blend of protocols, games, and an exchange of images that evolve organically rather than being preconceived. Selected works from this project were chosen for the Photo Biennale in Daegu, Korea, further cementing their international recognition.
Finally, “Swinging Gardens” was created as the digital extension of this project through a collection of NFTs.
Their work is characterized by a deep understanding of the photographic medium, both in its historical context and contemporary possibilities. Taufenbach and Pourtout's methodical yet playful approach to art-making, combined with prestigious recognitions like the Villa Médicis residency, positions them as significant contemporary artists whose work resonates with a global audience. Their ability to transform everyday moments into profound visual experiences marks them as innovators in the field of contemporary photography.
The creation of the duo is an infinite conversation; with LES GLANEURS where the hand is at the heart of their photographic dialogue where they compose repertoires of shapes, like alphabets — intimate choreographies of private signs in a square format frame.
The French artistic duo’s self-portrait shows the spirit of an endless game …
Through drawing, photography and assemblages, they seek to develop new protocols and new tools of exploration.
Dilpreet Bhullar
Curation: Florence Moll