Ma collection de proverbes, 2012

Basel 2015

Annette Messager Ma collection de proverbes, 1974-2012 Set consisting of 15 pieces of embroidered fabric   Each set is composed of the same 13 proverbs and 2 different proverbs in each set  Each proverb measures 35 x 28 cm  The proverbs come in a wooden slipcase, 42 x 35 x 5.5 cm  Limited edition of 24 numbered and signed copies and 6 artist’s proofs  Produced and published in 2012 by mfc-michèle didier  ©2012 Annette Messager and mfc-michèle didier Artist-collector and handywoman, Annette Messager has made nearly sixty “collection albums” between 1972 and 1974. Inspired by words, writings and images, the artist has created her albums from an accumulation of texts, photographs, notes and miscellaneous items, cautiously collected and sorted. Sometimes carefully glued in notebooks, sometimes gathered in bulk folders, each one of Annette Messager’s albums include a handwritten title by the artist. The albums are organized according to various themes, such as love life, encounters or domestic life and resemble sometimes a diary, a photo album or a recipe book. "Les hommes que j’aime", "Ma vie illustrée" or "Mon livre de cuisine" are a few examples. Annette Messager assembles common, everyday items to create a work that is subtly both poetic and feminist. Although the use of the personal pronoun suggests that the albums are autobiographical, they are works of fiction. They reveal the ironic fantasy life of a young woman embodying the archetype of the 60's housewife. This woman is not Annette Messager. "Ma collection de proverbes" is one of these collections that Annette Messager has compiled over a long period of time and that consists of a series of “misogynist” proverbs. The artist has embroidered them on pieces of white fabric, attributing them in an incisive and ironic perspective. mfc-michèle didier gathers the proverbs for the very first time.