“This series comes as an extension of a larger body of work, whose ultimate mission seeks to describe a
misdirected documentation of day-to-day existence. With “Sunset Perfect” I chose to explore sublime and pictorial themes as a way to draw my viewers out of reality and guide them into the locus of my subconscious, my own internal wanderings. This intersection of varying landscapes and isolated moments depicts a uniquely personal psychological state, one that drifts through the world with oscillating valleys of awareness. The vernacular of such images produces an emotional and visceral echo within the viewer, which I believe equates to my innermost faculties. Through these particulars, it should also be known that neither the locations, nor the identities of the subjects that they hold, are to be considered significant. They are both simply meant to express an instance of fusion between threads and sequences of overlapping life. ”
The Cultural Services of the French Embassy in New York and curator Lolita Cros are pleased to present Sunset Perfect, an exhibition that will open Friday, April 15th at A+E Studios.
Born and raised in New York, to a French family, Louis Heilbronn grew up with two perspectives, shaped by two cultures. In 2011, he began to unravel these identities, by taking road trips across the US and France, alone. Out of these solitary missions, he found the subjects for his first solo show at Galerie Polaris in Paris in 2013. Looking abroad and at home for inspiration, Heilbronn continues to delve into these themes of wanderlust and home. Heilbronn sees, photographs, and swallows information, colors and cultures. Yet no matter where he is, what translates to the viewer is his inherent disconnect.
The flowers, orange peels, his long-term girlfriend, TV screens, that he photographs are to him familiar images, which act as “transitional objects.” Over time these leitmotifs keep the viewer grounded and familiarized with Heilbronn’s personal attachments. For his first solo exhibition in New York City, the images selected follow the photographer’s stream of consciousness. Intertwining photographs from India, China and the US with Heilbronn’s home and family, it explores the parallels between his travels and emotional wanderings. Though Heilbronn doesn’t strive to capture events, Sunset Perfect builds a murky narrative of someone from the outside looking in. By looking at his photographs, you feel like you’ve walked in his shoes, felt his detachment and his comforts.
However, where some could see a portrait in absentia, the artist manages to keep his distance with the viewer, by balancing intimate moments with impersonal landscapes. He plays with the clichés, while re-inventing the classics, and embracing his respect for the founding fathers of photography.
LOUIS HEILBRONN
Born in 1988, Louis Heilbronn is represented by the Galerie Polaris in Paris. He has received prizes such as Lotos Foundation Arts Prize. His work has been shown and collected by institutions such as the Bass Museum of Art, Miami, Fondation d’Entreprise Hermès, and the Centre Contemporain d’Art Meymac. His work has been published by Steidl and Gagosian among others. He studied under world renowned photographer Stephen Shore and assisted Thomas Struth. Currently living and working in New York, he willbegin an MFA with a concentration in photography at UCLA in September.
LOLITA CROS
Born in Paris in 1991, Lolita Cros is an independent curator living and working in New York City. She is known for mixing up and coming and established artists, while presenting them in unique venues that allow the viewer to revisit their expectations. Lolita has collaborated with the likes of Dustin Yellin, Dean Levin, and Rachel Rossin among othersinvenues ranging from a Chinese restaurant in the Financial District to the rooftop of the McCarren Hotel and Pool.
For all inquiries, contact:
Lolita Cros
Lolita@sunsetperfect.com
Gallery Hours:
Tues - Sun, 11 AM - 6 PM
