“Sir Thomas Trope” intertwines works by Julien Tibéri and Aurélien Mole. The name of the eponymous fictional character is taken from a homophonic pun: the “thaumatrope” is a pre-cinematic device that exploits the phenomenon of retinal persistence. The rapid rotation of a circular piece combines the images reproduced on each of its sides. This imaginary guardian figure is inspired by the English architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837), whose house, now a museum, is filled with antiques arranged like a cabinet of curiosities, creating unsettling optical illusions and reflections that disturb perception.

Highly effective, the exhibition is marked by the abundance and instability of images. We are regularly caught up in subtle mise en abyme effects that intertwine layers of references, or by the scenographic layout that displays the works in an original way.

The rotating wall can be manipulated by visitors, offering multiple perspectives on the exhibition and inviting everyone to engage with the works, imagine new configurations, and alter the precise placement of drawings, paintings, photographs, and sculptures within the moving architecture. Rotations are also possible within the wall, for example, for an upside-down drawing by Julien Tibéri pivoting on a horizontal axis, which can be viewed in both directions.

The two artists present personal pieces linked to their previous work or current research, but also include collaborative creations such as the poster Back from Eternity (2012). The tomb of Luis Borges (Geneva), drawn by Julien Tibéri from a photograph by Aurélien Mole, serves as an illustration for a fake poster for a film about the undead, featuring artistic personalities who died in 2013 in place of the film crew.

Gwilherm Perthuis