"… the shit of world production"

‘Délicatesse des couleurs’, the tenth exhibition in Salzburg’s Hangar-7, presents young artists from France – like Sylvain Gelinotte, born in 1971. In an interview he talks about gamblers, Velvet Underground and using motor oil as working material.

Firstly, please give us a few details about you: What do you like, what can’t you stand, and what do you laugh about the most?

What I really like is a good wine and good food; my dog, women, and of course art; Dionysus; airplanes; Henry Miller and Hermann Hesse. I can’t stand cats and football, and I laugh about my dog, and people who take themselves too seriously.

Which three artists – also from different genres if you like – touch you?

Le Caravage, Velvet Underground, Réné Chan (a poet and surrealist).

What do observers of your art usually notice first …?

I’m exhibiting a totally new type of artwork, and thus haven’t had any reactions to it yet.

... and what makes it characteristic in your opinion?

My vision of the societal system. And the cheap and dirty medium I use to do that with.

Please give us some insight into the working environment where most of your works are created. Is it sterile or chaotic; quiet or full of life?

I work in an artists’ collective called ‘La Générale’. My surroundings are very important for the dynamic of my work: exchange and chaos; order, noise and the twittering of birds.

Please choose one of your exhibited works and describe in a few words how it developed and what the idea behind it is.

‘Decay Jackpot Winners’ is about a small win and the pathetic situation of someone who has won the jackpot. The motor oil I used stands for something like the shit of world production and the victorious economy.

What would be the ideal feeling or awareness that observers leave the Hangar-7 exhibition with?

The enjoyment of seeing interesting paintings in an impressive environment.