In his sculptures and collages, Valentin Carron imitates traditional handicrafts and unknown artworks, as well as stereotypical modern and everyday forms. By appropriating these objects and styles, he questions originality, authenticity, and identity in the globalized world. He reformulates traditional handicrafts, mainly from his Swiss homeland, by substituting natural materials like wood for synthetic materials; conversely, he commissions well-trained craftsmen to create precious works imitating cheap industrial articles.
The Shelter
2020
Oil on MDF board
Total dimensions variable / Minimal size: 225 x 200 x 40 cm
© Valentin Carron
The Last Leaf
2020
Copper, iron, enamel paint
Sculpture 84 x 70 x 60 cm / 33 1/8 x 27 1/2 x 23 5/8 in
Pedestal 75 x 70 x 60 cm / 29 1/2 x 27 1/2 x 23 5/8 in
© Valentin Carron
Mechanik und Animalität
2020
Polystyrene, fiberglass, acrylic resin, acrylic paint
101 x 61 x 10.5 cm / 39 3/4 x 24 x 4 1/8 in
© Valentin Carron
Vecchio cuore
2020
Copper
4.5 x 28.5 x 30 cm / 1 3/4 x 11 1/4 x 11 3/4 in
Unique variation in open edition
© Valentin Carron
DUST MINT
2018
Painted aluminum; 30 parts
Sculpture 640 x 60 x 40 cm / 252 x 23 5/8 x 15 3/4 in
Object, each 32 x 60 x 40 cm / 12 5/8 x 23 5/8 x 15 3/4 in
© Valentin Carron
Steel and Piano
2017
MDF, inkjet print on adhesive paper, acrylic enamel paint
132 x 132 x 7 cm / 52 x 52 x 2 3/4 in
© Valentin Carron
Bottle Man (Blithely)
2017
145 bottles made of handblown glass
31 x 183 x 189 cm / 12 1/4 x 72 x 74 3/8 in
© Valentin Carron
Inharmonic
2014
Stainless steel, patina effect varnish, gold-plated iron spacer
254.5 x 266.5 x 5 cm / 100 1/4 x 104 7/8 x 2 in
© Valentin Carron
Ciao n°8
2013
Ciao Piaggio restored
104 x 159.5 x 51 cm / 41 x 62 3/4 x 20 1/8 in
© Valentin Carron
Untitled
2009
Wood, inlay, tuning pegs
100 x 62 x 12 cm / 39 3/8 x 24 3/8 x 4 3/4 in
© Valentin Carron
Untitled
2009
Tiflex on tarpaulin, galvanised steel tubing, plastic straps
128 x 83 x 5 cm / 50 3/8 x 32 5/8 x 2 in
© Valentin Carron
Lasciatemi vivere la mia vita
2005
Metal, polystyrene, fiberglass, acrylic resin, paint
370 x 160 x 90 cm / 145 5/8 x 63 x 35 3/8 in
© Valentin Carron
