Atypical character of the Parisian night, Bruce Meritte has always been, as far as he can remember, passionate about photography. Born in Paris, in April 1968, he started life with a cry which already meant “enjoy your fuckin’ life”, a motto which would later govern each of his actions until he had it tattooed on his arm so he would not forget it, “You never know! With his baccalaureate in hand, he enrolled at ASSAS and at the same time, in a business school. But what really thrills him is the world of the “Night”.
Very quickly he became a key figure of the Parisian nightlife by organizing parties in the most emblematic and popular clubs in the capital. From the “Bus Palladium”, to the “Bains”, via “le Palace”, “Chez Régine” or even the “Duplex”, no place resisted his innovative ideas. He became the owner of the “Villa Barclay”, a legendary club. of the 90s. Curious, jack-of-all-trades and eager for new experiences, he then worked with Fabien Ontoniente on the music for the film “Camping”, then with Sébastien Chabal during the 2007 Rugby World Cup or for the brand Dupont for whom he created the DJ Case.
In 2009, when Michael Jackson died, he came up with the idea of taking photos of the figurines he had been collecting since a very young age. He has more than 500. From Casimir to Maryline Monroe via Steve McQueen or Franck Sinatra, Barrack Obama or Daft Punk, not a character escapes him. A collection acquired over the years from antiquing in flea markets, garage sales, or by carrying out hours of research on the internet.
He first stages them with always a touch of humor and provocation, then he photographs them. Very quickly he exhibited his creations, first at the Think & More Gallery, then at the Black Block at the Palais de Tokyo, but also at the Fouquet’s, and at the Pierre Cardin Gallery. His success earned him the privilege of being included in prestigious sales at Artcurial and Drouot.
His influences are on the border of pop-art and advertising… which is not really a coincidence, his dad having been the boss of an advertising agency in the 80s and he spent a lot of time there. His works often offer a dual reading behind a positive message. He draws his inspiration from life, a street corner, a book, listening to music or even during his many travels. Another hobbyhorse: the music which is part of his DNA and which will always have a great place in his life.
Eternal optimist, Bruce chose despite the vagaries of life to always see the positive side of things. Moreover, every morning in front of the mirror he repeats to himself: “HAPPINESS IS A HABIT”, one of his favorite phrases that he learned from his friend Jean François Magne a long time ago. His life is a succession of improbable encounters that allowed him to experience magnificent moments. Sometimes provocative, he likes to disturb, jostle people to get them to think. But is not that the role of art?
Carole Schmitz
Bruce Meritte : Enjoy Your Fuckin’Life !
Until January 15, 2023
Yoxeone Art Gallery
11 rue de la Sourdière
75001 Paris
https://yoxeone.com/
