Serenade: the last march of the King who refuses to die

Thierry Marceau, Jonathan Villeneuve

Serenade: the last march of the King who refuses to die

Video
June 8 – July 16, 2016
Opening: Wednesday, 8 June 2016
4 pm - 6 pm
Sérénade
2016
Exhibition view
Serenade tune the frequency of Elvis, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and disappeared from the world in 1977, if we believe the official version. Is he reincarnated through the has-been suburbs material, industrial parks and shopping malls? On a synthetic grass carpet, borrowed from a mini-golf, an empty oil barrel is attached to a lift rescued from a manufacture. Perforated in the manner of a score for piano, mallets vibrates on the tubes, endlessly repeating a detuned version of Are you lonesome tonight. Serenade is the jukebox of solitudes, fueled by the mystery of Elvis. -From Daniel Canty text: Simple Machines (2012) 

Serenade tune the frequency of Elvis, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and disappeared from the world in 1977, if we believe the official version. Is he reincarnated through the has-been suburbs material, industrial parks and shopping malls? On a synthetic grass carpet, borrowed from a mini-golf, an empty oil barrel is attached to a lift rescued from a manufacture. Perforated in the manner of a score for piano, mallets vibrates on the tubes, endlessly repeating a detuned version of Are you lonesome tonight. Serenade is the jukebox of solitudes, fueled by the mystery of Elvis.

-From Daniel Canty text: Simple Machines (2012) 

The King, if he still lives, lives alone, captive of an astroturf stage. Please come back, Elvis. Even if legions of fans order him to return, his song is past due. But if the song is over, that doesn't mean it's not beautiful. Tonight again, we can be comforted by the echo of this clumsy device and its fragile Serenade.          

Thierry Marceau worn a replica of the suit that Elvis was wearing on December 28, 1970, at Sonny West wedding, a member of the select group of friends called the "Memphis Mafia". Elvis, the best man of the groom, was presented at the ceremony armed by several revolvers, distributing sheriff stars to his faithful buddies before continuing the party at Graceland. 

This period marks the end of Elvis “rock-n-roll 50'-60 years” and introduce the" Vegas era" of the King. Jewelry, gilding and excess have made Elvis one of the most legendary character of history and many times imitated. 

Thanks: Nelly-Ève Rajotte, director of photography

 

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