LA VILLETTE SPECIMEN
2002, Jeune Creation, La Villette, Paris, France
Curators: Frédérique Decombe, P. des Pallieres, Chris Lum
Performances: L’Homme-trompe (by Damien Bertrand); L’Homme et la femme-tronc (by Philippe des Pallières and Frédérique Decombe)
Specimen is an attempt to create bespoke objects involving the commissioner by sharing a part of his/her intimacy. Specimen are created after any personal things (hair, cloth, pictures, etc…) are provided by the customer and often based on game’s rule that Decombe suggests. The Catalogue of Specimen is their repertoire. Frederique Decombe creates made to order objects: "intimate particles, fragments of the living or other traces under the form of image, writing or story”. She often uses beeswax and hair offered by patrons. During the openings she usually does performance art involving her own body. "Valise de miniatures" contains the miniature models of Decombe’s artwork as well as original pieces of small scale. The word 'Specimen' also stands for her fascinating interest for the human body. Bespoke projects could also require the participation of a larger audience with performative pieces where intimacy remains central along with playfulness.