An indecent symbol… A representation of Abbé Pierre impudently holding out his shroud? “ What for “, “ the limit is exceeded “, “ shocking “… On social networks, the latest work by Toulouse sculptor James Colomina is outraging Internet users. Silentium (“silence” in Latin, Editor’s note), the offending work, comes close to “ disrespect “and its presence right in the middle of the desacralized Gesù church – in the Carmelite district of Toulouse – is considered by many to be “ more than worrisome “. Abbé Pierre, then, on a metal mortuary cart, covered in a suspiciously shaped white sheet, is the subject of much debate. Debate, because under this shroud, it’s hard not to imagine something other than the churchman – who died in 2007 – erect. Debate too, because beyond the sculpture itself, its presence in the heart of a place of worship is disturbing. the priest’s “problematic sexuality recently made the headlines.

However, there’s no need to call in the law, delve into the Civil Code or even condemn the artist. As mentioned above, the Gesù church is a place where “ desecrated “i.e. dedicated to a specific use secular. Since 2000, it has belonged to the city of Toulouse, which has converted it into an organ concert hall. It is then “ easy enough to reserve premises “explains Figaro James Colomina. “ I usually set up without permission,” continues the artist from Toulouse. But I didn’t want to offend Catholics by exhibiting my work in a traditional church. “ He therefore turned to this 19th-century neo-Gothic building^e century. This enabled him to exhibit Silentium for two afternoons. “ I was able to keep the church’s codes, its soundscape and decorations. “says a delighted James Colomina.

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Making an impression

The artist from Toulouse explained that he wanted to “ offer a silent, intimate yet powerful space for dialogue, inviting each visitor to explore themes of memory, justice and humanity “. The exhibition was on view on 1^er and November 2, a very short-lived event due to its polemical and committed nature. Nevertheless, the artist hopes to have made his mark with Silentium, “ a work that will continue to inspire reflection beyond its discovery “he explains.

” It is up to society to lift the veil to finally see what has been buried under decades of silence.”

James Colomina

For a long time, the baptized but non-believing artist thought that “ sacred symbols were to remain intact “. But he was disappointed by the Church and its secrets, “ hidden realities “. “ It is up to society to lift the veil and finally see what has been buried under decades of silence, and to question the scars left by this past. “argues James Colomina. This cathedral-like silence is embodied by the affair concerning Abbé Pierre’s sexual behavior, which brought to light a dozen sexual abuses committed between 1950 and 2000 on several women. The artist from Toulouse became aware of this posthumous scandal when he was “ in the middle of a Seine water sale “ in Toulouse’s neighborhoods. He was to “ as luck would have it “ give your “ water recipes “ to the Emmaus Foundation. “ I might as well tell you that I quickly changed my mind “exclaims James Colomina. He then came up with the idea of Silentiuma project he was quick to defend in the local newspaper La Dépêche before the exhibition opens. “ I don’t give a fuck, I talk about whatever I want “he declared, without restraint.

The eternal question of the “blasphemous” work

Faced with such controversial artistic inspiration, an ethical question arises: should artists be allowed absolute freedom when the sacred and faith are directly and indirectly the subject of a work? A question that had already arisen after the massacre of Charlie Hebdo in 2015. Or put another way, what if a sculpture, which could be considered blasphemous, had been displayed in a mosque, temple or synagogue? In any case, on X (formerly Twitter), many Internet users are shocked by the sulphurous Silentium. “ Abbé Pierre may have done harm, but he also did good, much more than this artist will ever do. “reads an anonymous tweet; “ What a shame ! They even attack the dead “ in another; or “ What’s he waiting for to make a Mohammed with an erection? ? “ in a third message…

In the face of these less than friendly critics, often more acerbic on his private messaging service, James Colomina, puts on a brave face: “ I get insulted, but I don’t pay attention. I feel even more legitimate. I create controversy, but it’s just the truth and they take it in the face. ! “

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Until this artistic quarrel, the Toulouse street-sculptor was accustomed to hiding behind his works. On social networks, he was conspicuous by his absence. A way for him to protect himself from the threats provoked by his sometimes provocative ideas, and also to avoid fame. “ It’s a treasure to be an incognito artist, to be able to express myself as I wish. “he explains.

Booed on the Net, the Silentium on the other hand, interested a few visitors to the Gesù church: “ Some people turned straight back, others found it scandalous, but for the most part, there was nothing but good feedback,” he notes. Everyone was shocked by the latest news about Abbé Pierre, and it’s not surprising that a large proportion of viewers support me in this project.” Nearly 250 people on Saturday 1^er November and over 1,000 on Sunday. An encouragement for the artist from Toulouse, who wants to continue denouncing what he calls “ the atrocities of our world “. For James Colomina is convinced: “ Art is a weapon, and I intend to use it and make people react. “