As one of the first international film stars, the comical yet moving The Tramp became the idol of the Western world when he made his debut in 1914, filling movie theatres and featuring in newspapers and on posters. However, the character created by Chaplin was more than just a popular and media phenomenon. The film maker also had a direct impact on artists of his day, with whom he shared many ideas and interests.
The exhibition offers new perspectives on avant-garde works through the lens of the films of Charlie Chaplin. From Fernand Léger to Marc Chagall, and from Alexander Calder to René Magritte, some 200 works from collections worldwide will offer perspectives on Charlie Chaplin’s films.
Discover clear connections, subtle responses or unconscious interactions between artists who all embraced modernity during the era of the birth of cinema as the Seventh Art.
Chief Curator:
Sophie Lévy, Director and Curator, Musée d’arts de Nantes.
Scientific curators:
Claire Lebossé, Curator, Musée d’arts de Nantes, responsible for modern art collections; curatorial assistant Zoé Isle de Beauchaine, art historian.
Charlie Chaplin in the Eye of the Avant-garde is organised with support from Roy Export, and in partnership with Chaplin’s World by Grévin.
* Légendes et crédits :
- Charlie Chaplin, Les temps modernes, 1936 © Roy Export S.A.S
- Charlie Chaplin, Le cirque, 1928 © Roy Export S.A.S
- Charlie Chaplin, Charlot boxeur, 1915, des archives de Roy Export Co. Ltd.
- Claude Cahun, I am in training, Don't kiss me [Je m'entraîne, ne m'embrassez pas], vers 1927, Musée d'arts de Nantes © Musée d'arts de Nantes – C. Clos
- Charlie Chaplin™ © Bubbles Inc. S.A.
