David Lennon
17 JANUARY 2025
An artist from La Drôme in the Auvergne region. Explores the themes of meaning and its absence, as well as meritocracy. Creates an atmosphere that invites the viewer into the art
An artist from La Drôme in the Auvergne region. Explores the themes of meaning and its absence, as well as meritocracy. Creates an atmosphere that invites the viewer into the art
The themes are what means and what doesn’t mean, also meritocracy. I love making fun, interactive things, jokes, even dark ones. I want people to think of my works. Maybe it will change something in someone’s mind; maybe I can share something. Also, I like performances: how to invite a spectator to art.
What themes and ideas can be seen in your work?
What were the turning points in your life?
Every time I changed my position, it helped enlarge my informational bubble and norms. Also, my kidney problems years ago — I couldn’t eat sugar and salt for a year. I learned that I don’t need to worry a lot about problems. You can die from a turtle dropped on your head by an eagle, like one of the ancient philosophers.
I came to Clermont from La Drome. I am half-English. I was living in Malaysia for a couple of years. I was studying nursing in Paris because I wanted to help people, but after that, I quit to be in more contact with society and came to the art school.
Tell us about yourself
There is no secret recipe for that nowadays. First of all, it depends on context. Work should be powerful and important, if you can touch different people in different times, if it can be relevant after some time. Some artists can be dumb and silly and successful at the same time. Being silly is a privilege.
What makes art successful or important?
Cheap ones or those that you can find. For example, I spent my diploma budget on an assistant, not on the materials. He worked, but not me. Silly and non-productive things. One of the most interesting was tar, which we were harvesting with an art school (l'esacm) in summer. At that time, it gets hot because of the weather.
What materials do you love to work with?
Sculpture, drawing, and performances. If you ask why, when I was a kid, I was playing with Lego. I like the way you work with the material, it’s a pleasure. Drawing makes me think more, and it’s easier than painting. Performances are about theatre: time, space, and playful interaction. I like to plan it.
What is your medium?
Depends on an art piece. Something is more interesting to do in the atelier, and something is more interesting to show people because you can receive feedback. Also, I like when you learn something during the process. One of my favourite performances was catching myself in a trap by the tree of freedom.
What is your favourite part of the process?
— The more protected you are, the easier it is to offend you.
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll by Ian Dury.
If your art were a music track, what would it be?
La Tolerie — a place I used to go as a student and kept going to afterward. I like the people they invite. Raymond Bar — they have underground concerts, and there I got the inspiration for art and social connections. I like to have deep conversations.
What places in Clermont do you like the most?
Wim Delvoye — he does tattoos of Disney princesses on pigs from his own farm. Arnaud Labelle-Rojoux — I like his work painted by his genitals. Marcel Broodthaers — he is more poetic and romantic. Pierrick Sorin — video artist, director, and scenographer.
Which artists inspire you the most?
3. C’est du joli.
2. Âne à thème.
- Testament.
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