Pierre Commoy and Gilles Blanchard are French artists who began collaborating in 1979. They are known for hand-painting photographs in vibrant colors. One of their works, Autoportrait 78, depicts two men entangled with each other against a blue background surrounded by flowers. The contrast of the colors and positioning of elements creates movement and balance in the composition to convey a message of peaceful bonding between the subjects. While the subject matter is not for all tastes, their works are unique combinations of mediums that intrigue viewers.

1. Pierre et Gilles
By Sarah Colgan

2. Background
➔ Pierre Commoy
◆ Born in 1950 in La Roche-sur-Yon, Paris
◆ Studied photography in Geneva
◆ Worked as a photographer in music and
fashion magazines in 1970

3. Background (cont.)
➔ Gilles Blanchard
◆ Born in 1953 in Le Harve, France
◆ Studied painting at Ecole des Beaux Arts
◆ Partnered with Pierre in 1979, three years
after meeting

4. Technique
➔ Sketch out design
➔ Stage photo
◆ Create their own costumes
◆ Use theatrical lighting
◆ Use props they have gathered from their
travels
➔ Paint over photo
Le Petit Bal

5. Examples
Crazy love Stromae Forever Le Mariage Pour Tous

6. Examples (cont)
Ophelie
Le Coeur de Marie

7. Suzy
Dream Catcher

8. Magical Mirror De La Rue Aux Etioles

9. Critique

10. Description
➔ Autoportrait 78 (2014)
➔ Hand-painted photograph
➔ Models are Barthelemy Seng and Florian
Balicco
➔ Collection Centre Pompidou, Paris
➔ This image shows two men in white and
black, strung over each other in a blue
background with white and red flowers
surrounding them.

11. Analysis
➔ The artists use the contrast from the blue background and the white
and black of the models’ clothes to make the models stand out
◆ Creates balance as well with balancing the dark and light colors
on either side of the painting
➔ Framing is also used by having flowers in the foreground
◆ Depth is also achieved by place flowers in the background
➔ Color also conveys a lighter atmosphere by using bright, vibrant colors
as opposed to dull ones
◆ Despite black still being used and considered as a traditionally
“dull” color, the model’s expression still helps convey the
overall theme
➔ Movement can be seen by the angles of the flowers to give them a
“falling” effect

12. Interpretation
➔ I believe that Pierre et
Gilles are trying to convey
a peacefully, happy bond
between the two men
◆ Color and facial
expressions portray a
happier mood
◆ Due to type of
clothing, perhaps
they have recently
been reunited

13. Judgement
➔Overall, the piece is fairly well done
◆ Bright colors
◆ Overcrowded
◆ Provides good contrast and shows movement

14. Over All Arist Opinion
➔ Pros
◆ Intriguing subject matter
◆ Interesting combination of mediums
◆ All photos are one-of-a-kind
➔ Cons
◆ Subject matter can be left to taste
◆ Photos can sometimes be too busy

15. Bibliography
Works Cited
Commoy, Pierre, and Gilles Blanchard. "Facebook Logo." Autoportrait 78 , Barthélemy Seng Et... Facebook, 31 July 2015.
Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
Le Scouarnec, Jean-Marc. "Pierre Et Gilles Au Printemps De Septembre : à La Vie, à L'amour." Ladepeche.fr. N.p., 8 Oct. 2012.
Web. 01 Apr. 2016.
Leclézio, Mélissa. "Pierre Et Gilles: Pop Portraiture with a French Touch." The Culture Trip. The Culture Trip, n.d. Web. 31
Mar. 2016.
Templon, Daniel. "Galerie Daniel Templon - Artist-Pierre Et Gilles." Galerie Daniel Templon - Artist-Pierre Et Gilles. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
Turner, Jonathan. (n.d.): n. pag. Pierre Et Gilles. ACCA. Web.