“Moi, Je”: UMAM artists defy narcissism at Cagnes-sur-Mer castle

There are so many different ways of looking at yourself and asserting your ego, ideas, convictions, personality… Since the dawn of time, artists have been caught in this trap: introspection or openness? According to Simone Dibo-Cohen, curator of the UMAM (Mediterranean Union for Modern Art) Biennale, held until January 3, 2022 at Cagnes-sur-Mer Castle, “Moi, je” is a figure of speech extensively used by each of us. A blistering of an ego, of an identity. A recurring theme in the history of art.’

The aptly named exposition brings together some forty artists, titillating their narcissistic inclinations: Jacky Ananou with the “The Narcissistic Knot”, Jérôme Borel appropriating “The confusion of Narcisse”, Pierre and Gilles using Matthieu Charneau’s model to embody “Narcisse”. Others like Philippe Cognée, Mick or Cedric Tanguy have chosen a self-portrait to shout out their “I, Myself”. As to Bernard and Gérard Taride or Gérard Haton-Gauthier, they are using a metaphore to illustrate the concept of egocentrism. 

All the artists in any case played the game, giving the best of themselves to make it a real success. And don’t miss out on some internationally renowned works by Gérard Garouste, Damien Hirst or Jeff Koons.

Château-Musée Grimaldi
6, Place du Château, Cagnes-sur-Mer
Tel +33(0)4 9308 6712