Jean-Pierre Bertrand began his career working in cinema which led him to design several installations during the 1960’s, installations which bring together various media such as film and television. Refusing to be limited to an activity focused on producing novelty, he designs with a variety of materials including video projections, photography, neon, paintings, drawings and tapestry.
Jean-Pierre Bertrand puts forward a part of himself – his face (Expressions, 1971, Face, 1971), his hand (Playing Dices, 1972) where the repetition of gestures produces an illusion. His mini films remind one of free-hand sketches – moments sketched on the spot, perceived with all the freedom this medium provides. Then, in his other exhibitions, he invites the spectator to enter the world of appearances. He pays particular attention to “where” his works are projected or hung.

According to Galerie Michel Rein: Galerie Michel Rein
Photo: Didier Morin

Project

« A hand at the top right of the screen throws three dice. They tumble, become still, are picked up and thrown again. The scene is projected on two large walls that face each other; the two projections are asynchronous. A malaise sets in with the consciousness of the presence of a mirror against which the dice bounce. The spectators are prey to a monochromatic phantasmagoria where real and virtual images of the die faces in the mirror are confounded, where a wall becomes the mirror of the other. The black dots on the dice faces such as dead heads taunt us with their random apparitions. ». (Jean-Pierre Bertrand)

Playing Dices
1975-2005
Black and white film, 16mm on DVD
4'07, loop
Courtesy : Galerie Michel Rein, Paris, France

Links

Galerie Michel Rein