John Saint Michel (b. 1983, Melbourne, Australia) divides his time between Melbourne and Paris.
As an artist, filmmaker, curator, and writer, he is celebrated for his poetic, gothic aesthetic. His multidisciplinary practice spans installation, garment-making, film, and traditional techniques like painting and screen-printing. By weaving together industrial remnants, handcrafted materials, and cultural artifacts, Saint Michel reimagines the intersection of the utilitarian and symbolic, creating thought-provoking works that challenge conventional notions of identity and value in the context of industrialism, history, and modernity.
An archivist and collector of cultural objects, Saint Michel works with materials that embody opposing forces: some reflect the relentless efficiency of hyper-capitalist production, while others bear the marks of care, fragility, and poetry.
His installations and films emphasize the interplay between order and entropy, permanence and decay. Through these contrasts, Saint Michel invites audiences to question the authenticity and value of cultural and industrial materials, while highlighting the emotional and historical weight they carry.
As a curator, he has orchestrated exhibitions exploring the ideas of figures like Joseph Beuys and Martin Margiela. His curatorial work underscores his dedication to fostering dialogue about the evolution of art, culture, and history, often bridging personal narratives with collective experiences. Through these efforts, Saint Michel creates spaces for critical engagement with the ways art shapes and reflects societal change.
Text: Elizabeth McInnes
As an artist, filmmaker, curator, and writer, he is celebrated for his poetic, gothic aesthetic. His multidisciplinary practice spans installation, garment-making, film, and traditional techniques like painting and screen-printing. By weaving together industrial remnants, handcrafted materials, and cultural artifacts, Saint Michel reimagines the intersection of the utilitarian and symbolic, creating thought-provoking works that challenge conventional notions of identity and value in the context of industrialism, history, and modernity.
An archivist and collector of cultural objects, Saint Michel works with materials that embody opposing forces: some reflect the relentless efficiency of hyper-capitalist production, while others bear the marks of care, fragility, and poetry.
His installations and films emphasize the interplay between order and entropy, permanence and decay. Through these contrasts, Saint Michel invites audiences to question the authenticity and value of cultural and industrial materials, while highlighting the emotional and historical weight they carry.
As a curator, he has orchestrated exhibitions exploring the ideas of figures like Joseph Beuys and Martin Margiela. His curatorial work underscores his dedication to fostering dialogue about the evolution of art, culture, and history, often bridging personal narratives with collective experiences. Through these efforts, Saint Michel creates spaces for critical engagement with the ways art shapes and reflects societal change.
Text: Elizabeth McInnes
Email:
info@johnsaintmichel.com
info@johnsaintmichel.com
Works
2734—232
Group Show/Curator
“Anglomania: Shifting Perspectives ”
Melbourne
2024
Image:
Sculpture: Midas Avarice, 2025, Elizabeth McInnes.
S!X – La Bibliothèque – "No More Archive"
Garment: Comme des Garçons fall/winter 2003.
Group Show/Curator
“Anglomania: Shifting Perspectives ”
Melbourne
2024
Image:
Sculpture: Midas Avarice, 2025, Elizabeth McInnes.
S!X – La Bibliothèque – "No More Archive"
Garment: Comme des Garçons fall/winter 2003.
Anglomania: Shifting Perspectives is not a celebration but a critique of cultural identity. The exhibition examines the complex dynamics between admiration and resistance, spectacle and subversion, heritage and rebellion. Through a striking selection of installations, sculptures, and portraits, it confronts the lasting influence of British culture—its rituals, contradictions, and legacies.
Challenging the tensions between colonial histories and modern cultural inheritance, the exhibition presents works by eight diverse artists. Featuring sculptures, paintings, and garments, Anglomania explores cycles of memory, trauma, and transformation while critically engaging with the mythology of empire.
The exhibition includes installations by Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren, Comme des Garçons, and Martin Margiela, deepening the dialogue between fashion and art.
Contrasting the polished aesthetics of British influence with raw, untamed landscapes, Anglomania highlights the empire’s enduring impact. Curated by John Saint Michel (Bowerbird Showspace) and hosted by Wardlow II, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider colonial legacies and the complexities of British identity.
John Saint Michel
Victoria Todorov
Daisy Thornley
Elizabeth McInnes
S!X (Peter Boyd & Denise Sprynskyj
Molly Younger
Samuel Nugent
Connor Albert Murphy
Challenging the tensions between colonial histories and modern cultural inheritance, the exhibition presents works by eight diverse artists. Featuring sculptures, paintings, and garments, Anglomania explores cycles of memory, trauma, and transformation while critically engaging with the mythology of empire.
The exhibition includes installations by Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren, Comme des Garçons, and Martin Margiela, deepening the dialogue between fashion and art.
Contrasting the polished aesthetics of British influence with raw, untamed landscapes, Anglomania highlights the empire’s enduring impact. Curated by John Saint Michel (Bowerbird Showspace) and hosted by Wardlow II, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider colonial legacies and the complexities of British identity.
John Saint Michel
Victoria Todorov
Daisy Thornley
Elizabeth McInnes
S!X (Peter Boyd & Denise Sprynskyj
Molly Younger
Samuel Nugent
Connor Albert Murphy
2734—231
SCULPTURE
Discordia Gallery
Curator- Director: Elizabeth McInnes
Melbourne
2023
SCULPTURE
Discordia Gallery
Curator- Director: Elizabeth McInnes
Melbourne
2023
“But certainly for the present age, which prefers the sign to the thing signified, the copy to the original, representation to reality, the appearance to the essence... illusion only is sacred, truth profane.
Nay, sacredness is held to be enhanced in proportion as truth decreases and illusion increases, so that the highest degree of illusion comes to be the highest degree of sacredness.”
1. FEUERBACH,
Preface to the Second Edition, 1843
The Essence of Christianity.
Exhibition
Nay, sacredness is held to be enhanced in proportion as truth decreases and illusion increases, so that the highest degree of illusion comes to be the highest degree of sacredness.”
1. FEUERBACH,
Preface to the Second Edition, 1843
The Essence of Christianity.
Exhibition
2734—232
SCULPTURE
“Inside Job”
Private commision
Paris
2024
SCULPTURE
“Inside Job”
Private commision
Paris
2024
Inside Job, was crafted from recycled art transportation crates, refashioned into wardrobes designed to house luxury shoes, handbags, and art. This transformation bridged the realms of fashion, luxury goods, and contemporary art, offering a commentary on the intersections of consumerism, materiality, and high culture. By repurposing materials traditionally used for transporting valuable artworks, Inside Job prompted reflection on the commodification of both fashion and art, exploring how societal values shape our understanding of worth and authenticity.
2734—233
SCULPTURE
“Round and Round’
Sculpture, Bowerbird Showspace.
2024
SCULPTURE
“Round and Round’
Sculpture, Bowerbird Showspace.
2024
Round and Round, delves into childhood sentiments and their connection to identity. Crafted from reproduced knitted objects handmade in Australia, the work invited viewers on a journey through early identity and trauma. Presented by Bowerbird Showspace in Melbourne, the sculpture reflected fragility and resilience, drawing on personal stories and emotions. The work drew links between the connectivity of trauma and how it is recognized through the action of looping, symbolized by the display of hand-knitted objects, and the foundation of trauma being set in early childhood.
2734—234
SCULPTURE
‘Scrying Game’
Melbourne
2023
SCULPTURE
‘Scrying Game’
Melbourne
2023
Scrying Game, focused on the historical tradition of scrying, or peeping through black, a practice used for divination and self-reflection. The work invited viewers to engage with the act of silencing images and peering into the void, creating a space for introspection. Through this process, The Scrying Game evoked themes of self-awareness and the search for deeper truths. The piece explored the tension between obscured vision and clarity, challenging the viewer to confront their own reflections and perceptions.
2734—235
C0-CURATOR
JOSPEH BEUYS
How revelant is Beuys today?
Curated by John Saint Michel and Brodie Higgs.
Melbourne
2024
C0-CURATOR
JOSPEH BEUYS
How revelant is Beuys today?
Curated by John Saint Michel and Brodie Higgs.
Melbourne
2024
The Joseph Beuys exhibition at Wardlow II in Melbourne centered around the theme How relevant is Beuys today? Curated by John Saint Michel and Brodie Higgs, the event invited attendees to engage with Beuys' enduring legacy and consider the continued impact of his groundbreaking ideas on contemporary art and society. Over two days, the exhibition featured a carefully curated selection of Beuys’ iconic works, including his use of unconventional materials such as fat, felt, and gold, which symbolized his belief in art as a transformative force for social change.
The exhibition showcased key documentaries and performances that highlighted Beuys' innovative approach to performance and sculpture. The event culminated in a thought-provoking symposium hosted by artist John Saint Michel. Guests included Ian George, Director and founder of the Beuys permanent conference, Dr. Rhea Thonges Stringaris, former curator at Documenta, and filmmaker John Halpren, director of Transformer: Beuys, who offered invaluable insights into Beuys' influence on both art history and contemporary culture.
The gathering provided a platform for deep discussions on the relevance of Beuys' philosophy in today's world.
see show
The exhibition showcased key documentaries and performances that highlighted Beuys' innovative approach to performance and sculpture. The event culminated in a thought-provoking symposium hosted by artist John Saint Michel. Guests included Ian George, Director and founder of the Beuys permanent conference, Dr. Rhea Thonges Stringaris, former curator at Documenta, and filmmaker John Halpren, director of Transformer: Beuys, who offered invaluable insights into Beuys' influence on both art history and contemporary culture.
The gathering provided a platform for deep discussions on the relevance of Beuys' philosophy in today's world.
see show
2734—236
Edition/exclusive Yvon Lambert, Paris.
Perfect pictures by Emil & John
Paris
2018
Edition/exclusive Yvon Lambert, Paris.
Perfect pictures by Emil & John
Paris
2018
Perfect Pictures by John Saint Michel and photographer Emil Kosuge was a limited edition poster publication celebrating the 50th anniversary of the May 1968 Paris riots. This exclusive release featured a series of overpainted photographs and posters, capturing the spirit of the iconic protests. Presented in a limited edition, the work reflects on this pivotal moment in French history through the collaboration of the artist and photographer, and was available exclusivley at Yvon Lambert Librarie, Paris.
2734—237
D'une guerre à l'autre / From War to Another
Laurent Pisoni Collection-
Quai Bourbon 75004
Paris.
2019
Photo: Emil Kosuge
D'une guerre à l'autre / From War to Another
Laurent Pisoni Collection-
Quai Bourbon 75004
Paris.
2019
Photo: Emil Kosuge
D'une guerre à l'autre / From War to Another was a thought-provoking solo exhibition that revisited the potential of war in Europe, offering a poetic exploration of the lingering shadows of the Second World War. The exhibition delved into the complexities of history, memory, and the cyclical nature of conflict, drawing parallels between past and present struggles. Hosted by French art collector and architect Laurent Pisoni, known for his private commissions and collaborations with designer Nicolas Ghesiquere at Balenciaga, the show was an intimate reflection on the idea of war’s haunting presence in modern society. Through carefully curated works, the exhibition invited viewers to engage with the emotional and historical weight of war, urging a deeper reflection on its enduring impact.
2734—238
CONTRIBUTOR/FILM
Paradigm Triology, Paris issue -
By Katharina Korbjuhn
New York City.
2024
CONTRIBUTOR/FILM
Paradigm Triology, Paris issue -
By Katharina Korbjuhn
New York City.
2024
The Paradigm Trilogy Paris issue in 2024, titled Recognition vs. Expression: explored the tension between personal recognition and authentic self-expression within the fashion industry.
The issue featured a range of contributors, including creative director Katharina Korbjuhn, renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog, writer Eileen Myles, artists such as Chloe Wise, Aaron Rose Philip, Sydney Lemmon and John Saint Michel as a key contributors.
John Saint Michel’s voice was layered with commentary over archival images of Angelica Blechscmidt, the former editor-in-chief of German Vogue. His insights added a unique perspective on the evolution of the fashion industry and its relationship to personal expression and public recognition. The accompanying short film featured model Alex Consani, further immersing viewers in the themes of self-identity, representation, and the shifting landscape of fashion. The issue also featured a powerful clip by the late Alexander McQueen, enhancing the exploration of creativity and the fine line between recognition and self-expression in the world of high fashion.
Through this dynamic collaboration, the Paris issue continued Paradigm Trilogy's mission to provoke critical discourse around the fashion world’s creative processes and identity dynamics.
View the issue
The issue featured a range of contributors, including creative director Katharina Korbjuhn, renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog, writer Eileen Myles, artists such as Chloe Wise, Aaron Rose Philip, Sydney Lemmon and John Saint Michel as a key contributors.
John Saint Michel’s voice was layered with commentary over archival images of Angelica Blechscmidt, the former editor-in-chief of German Vogue. His insights added a unique perspective on the evolution of the fashion industry and its relationship to personal expression and public recognition. The accompanying short film featured model Alex Consani, further immersing viewers in the themes of self-identity, representation, and the shifting landscape of fashion. The issue also featured a powerful clip by the late Alexander McQueen, enhancing the exploration of creativity and the fine line between recognition and self-expression in the world of high fashion.
Through this dynamic collaboration, the Paris issue continued Paradigm Trilogy's mission to provoke critical discourse around the fashion world’s creative processes and identity dynamics.
View the issue
2734—239
SCULPTURE
‘Breendonk’
2023
SCULPTURE
‘Breendonk’
2023
Reconstiuted swiss military blanket.
wool, gros grain, duck down.
wool, gros grain, duck down.
2734—240
BOOKS/EDITIONS
Edition of 100
’What you seek is seeking you.’
Paris
2024
BOOKS/EDITIONS
Edition of 100
’What you seek is seeking you.’
Paris
2024
Select poems and photographs.
‘What You Seek is Seeking You’ is a limited-edition book. This collection features a medley of poems and other creative works, offering an intimate exploration of human desire.
‘What You Seek is Seeking You’ is a limited-edition book. This collection features a medley of poems and other creative works, offering an intimate exploration of human desire.
2734—241
SCULPTURE
“Bloodshed and Opulence”.
Paris
2019
SCULPTURE
“Bloodshed and Opulence”.
Paris
2019
Cotton, acrylic.
2734—241
CURATOR
La Femme de cabine - Martin Margiela
Paris
2019
CURATOR
La Femme de cabine - Martin Margiela
Paris
2019
La Femme de Cabine - Martin Margiela was an intimate exhibition curated by John Saint Michel, exploring the enigmatic allure and behind-the-scenes artistry of Martin Margiela's creations. The show honored the women who worked within the Maison who embodied the quiet sophistication and intrigue central to Margiela’s vision. Featuring photographs by British photographer Jonathan Hallam and interpretative installations, the exhibition offered a poetic homage to these often-overlooked figures, highlighting their essential role in shaping the designer's iconic aesthetic.
Press
Dazed and confused
WWD
Another Magzine Interview
Press
Dazed and confused
WWD
Another Magzine Interview
2734—242
FILM
WRITER AND DIRECTOR
10 min
Bonjour Claude!
Claude Montana and John Saint Michel.
Paris
2016
FILM
WRITER AND DIRECTOR
10 min
Bonjour Claude!
Claude Montana and John Saint Michel.
Paris
2016
A conversation between french couturier Claude Montana and artist John Saint Michel.
2734—243
DRAWRING
Homecoming
Shire of Mount Alexander, Victoria
2022
DRAWRING
Homecoming
Shire of Mount Alexander, Victoria
2022
Homecoming was a series of limited-edition drawings created through the collaborative efforts of John Saint Michel and renowned artist and printmaker Diana Orinda Burns. This collaboration marked a dialogue between Saint Michel’s poetic, contemporary aesthetic and Burns’ expertise in printmaking and landscape, honed through her celebrated collaborations with Australian painting figure, John Henry Olsen AO OBE.
2734—244
FILM
“America”, 6 min
Excerpt of Allen Ginsberg’s “America” - Howl and other poems,1956
Featuring Paz De La Huerta
**Unpublished**
Paris
2022
FILM
“America”, 6 min
Excerpt of Allen Ginsberg’s “America” - Howl and other poems,1956
Featuring Paz De La Huerta
**Unpublished**
Paris
2022
Allen Ginsberg’s iconic poem America from his 1956 collection, Howl and Other Poems.
The piece featured actress Paz de la Huerta, known for her captivating performances in Enter the Void (Dir Gaspar Noé) and The Cider House Rules (Dir Martin Scorsese). Her enigmatic presence brought a visceral and haunting dimension to the work.
Set against Ginsberg's searing critique of mid-20th-century American culture, the film interwove excerpts of his words with atmospheric visuals, creating a layered narrative that resonated with both historical and contemporary themes. De la Huerta's performance underscored the poem's raw intensity, channeling its spirit of rebellion and introspection.
Through its evocative imagery and poignant delivery, America bridged the gap between literature and cinema, offering a timeless reflection on identity, dissent, and the complex interplay of individual and collective consciousness.
The piece featured actress Paz de la Huerta, known for her captivating performances in Enter the Void (Dir Gaspar Noé) and The Cider House Rules (Dir Martin Scorsese). Her enigmatic presence brought a visceral and haunting dimension to the work.
Set against Ginsberg's searing critique of mid-20th-century American culture, the film interwove excerpts of his words with atmospheric visuals, creating a layered narrative that resonated with both historical and contemporary themes. De la Huerta's performance underscored the poem's raw intensity, channeling its spirit of rebellion and introspection.
Through its evocative imagery and poignant delivery, America bridged the gap between literature and cinema, offering a timeless reflection on identity, dissent, and the complex interplay of individual and collective consciousness.
2734—245
SCREENWRITER, Paris/Melbourne
Austrlian/French co-production.
‘Cow love’
2024/25
SCREENWRITER, Paris/Melbourne
Austrlian/French co-production.
‘Cow love’
2024/25
John Saint Michel has partnered with filmmaker Brodie Higgs, celebrated for his Berlinale-premiered film Elixr. Together, they have been developing a feature-length screenplay titled Cow Love (L’Amour Vache)—a darkly comedic and deeply reflective narrative.
Planned as a French/Australian co-production for 2025, Cow Love delves into themes of identity, environmental ethics, and human connection, blending intimate storytelling with universal resonance.
Planned as a French/Australian co-production for 2025, Cow Love delves into themes of identity, environmental ethics, and human connection, blending intimate storytelling with universal resonance.
︎
2734—246
OPEN STUDIO
Antwerp, Belgium
2023
OPEN STUDIO
Antwerp, Belgium
2023
John Saint Michel welcomed guests into a temporary studio in Antwerp, transforming the space into a dynamic showcase of his creative process. The studio featured a curated display of artifacts, rare books, and research materials, offering visitors an intimate look at the inspirations and themes driving his work.
2734—247
EDITORIAL
Leigh Bowery, Fluoro Magazine, Melbourne.
Conversation with Bronwyn Bowery Ierland for Fluoro Magazine.
Editor in Chief Nancy Bugeja
Photo: Courtsey Bronwyn Bowery Ierland - Fluoro Magazine.
2022
In a thought-provoking article in an illuminating feature for Fluoro magazine, John Saint Michel delved into the life and legacy of Leigh Bowery through a compelling conversation with Bronwyn Bowery Ireland, Leigh’s sister. The dialogue offered rare personal insights into Bowery’s groundbreaking contributions to performance art and fashion.
Saint Michel explored Bowery’s revolutionary aesthetic, which shattered societal norms and redefined identity and self-expression. Through Bronwyn’s reflections, the article unveiled the human side of the iconic performer while celebrating his enduring relevance in shaping the avant-garde landscape.
Together, they examined the profound influence of Bowery’s work, its resonance in contemporary art and fashion, and its lasting role as a catalyst for bold creativity and boundary-pushing expression.
Read full story
Saint Michel explored Bowery’s revolutionary aesthetic, which shattered societal norms and redefined identity and self-expression. Through Bronwyn’s reflections, the article unveiled the human side of the iconic performer while celebrating his enduring relevance in shaping the avant-garde landscape.
Together, they examined the profound influence of Bowery’s work, its resonance in contemporary art and fashion, and its lasting role as a catalyst for bold creativity and boundary-pushing expression.
Read full story
2734—248
BOOKS/EDITIONS
“Bloodshed and opulence”-
JOSEPEHUS THIMISTER
Image: Coutrsey of Jospehus Thimister
2018
BOOKS/EDITIONS
“Bloodshed and opulence”-
JOSEPEHUS THIMISTER
Image: Coutrsey of Jospehus Thimister
2018
Josephus Thimister (1962–2019) was a visionary Dutch fashion designer celebrated for his emotionally charged, minimalist creations. Known for his roles at Balenciaga, Charles Jourdan, and Genny, he began his career as an assistant to Karl Lagerfeld. Thimister also served as a friend and mentor to John Saint Michel.
The duo were collaborating on a limited-edition book titled Bloodshed and Opulence, a project left unfinished due to the late designer's untimely death.
More information:
New York times.
2734—249
POSTER/EDITION
In the name of the father.
Paris.
2023
POSTER/EDITION
In the name of the father.
Paris.
2023
This poster series graphically explores Jacques Lacan's theories of the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real, alongside his concept of "In the Name of the Father."
2734—250
CURATION
Bowerbird Showspace.
Editions Curator
Photography: Jana Langhorst
CURATION
Bowerbird Showspace.
Editions Curator
Photography: Jana Langhorst
John Saint Michel presents an expertly curated selection of editions for Bowerbird Showspace, featuring rare and thought-provoking works that reflect his poetic and subversive aesthetic. The collection includes titles exploring Arte Povera, Gerhard Richter, Comme des Garçons, and other influential subjects spanning art, design, and cultural movements. These editions are a celebration of intellectual rigor and artistic innovation, offering collectors and enthusiasts an intimate connection to the ideas and aesthetics shaping contemporary and historical creativity.
2734—251
DRAWRING
‘Nothing but flowers’
Screen prints
Edition of 50
DRAWRING
‘Nothing but flowers’
Screen prints
Edition of 50
A series of digital images etched on paper and metal.
2734—252
POSTER/EDITIONS
Emil&John
Photography: Emil Kosuge
Model: Björn Rünnarson
Paris
POSTER/EDITIONS
Emil&John
Photography: Emil Kosuge
Model: Björn Rünnarson
Paris
An over illustrated photography series by Emil Kosuge featuring Icelandic artist, Björn Rúnarsson.
2734—253
EDITIONS/BOOKS
Days of future past.
Editions:
Peter Boyd Collection
Art director/Editor
John saint Michel
Photogrpahy:Enrico Kasjan
Garments:
Junya Watanabe
Comme des Garçons
Wardrobe Assitant:
Alexandra Tarlington.
Model: Olie
Mebourne.
2024
EDITIONS/BOOKS
Days of future past.
Editions:
Peter Boyd Collection
Art director/Editor
John saint Michel
Photogrpahy:Enrico Kasjan
Garments:
Junya Watanabe
Comme des Garçons
Wardrobe Assitant:
Alexandra Tarlington.
Model: Olie
Mebourne.
2024
Days of Future Past is a visual journey into the clothing archive of Dr. Peter Boyd, co-founder of the iconic Australian design house S!X. This collection showcases a carefully curated selection of rare and significant pieces from some of the most influential names in avant-garde fashion, including Comme des Garçons, Martin Margiela, Junya Watanabe, Carol Christian Poell, Alaïa and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Through Dr. Boyd’s discerning eye, the archive reveals a narrative that bridges past innovation with enduring relevance. The collection celebrates the artistry and radical craftsmanship that define these designers, offering a glimpse into the evolution of fashion as a medium for cultural expression.
Through Dr. Boyd’s discerning eye, the archive reveals a narrative that bridges past innovation with enduring relevance. The collection celebrates the artistry and radical craftsmanship that define these designers, offering a glimpse into the evolution of fashion as a medium for cultural expression.
2734—254
PHOTOGRPAHY
Katherine Grace
Paris
2015
PHOTOGRPAHY
Katherine Grace
Paris
2015
A collection of photogrpahs documenting Australian model, Katheirne Grace.
2734—256
FILM
Silent Film, 2012
C’tait une vie de chien
** Cristobal Balenciaga**
Melbourne
2012
FILM
Silent Film, 2012
C’tait une vie de chien
** Cristobal Balenciaga**
Melbourne
2012
C’était une Vie de Chien
A poetic and prophetic meditative silent film, C’était une Vie de Chien (It was a dog’s life) captures the final days of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s iconic maison against the backdrop of the May 1968 riots in Paris. Through a hypnotic interplay of shadow and light, the film juxtaposes the collapse of haute couture’s golden age with the rise of mass-produced, ready-to-wear fashion.
Evoking Balenciaga’s prophetic fears, the film presents a world where craft dissolves into mechanical conformity. The subject moves with eerie precision, their lifeless gazes hauntingly embodying the loss of individuality in the fashion industry. This visual allegory critiques the hypnotic grip of consumerism and the commodification of creativity.
In its silence, C’était une Vie de Chien speaks volumes—a lament for an era’s end and a piercing commentary on fashion’s transformation into a machine-driven spectacle.
A poetic and prophetic meditative silent film, C’était une Vie de Chien (It was a dog’s life) captures the final days of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s iconic maison against the backdrop of the May 1968 riots in Paris. Through a hypnotic interplay of shadow and light, the film juxtaposes the collapse of haute couture’s golden age with the rise of mass-produced, ready-to-wear fashion.
Evoking Balenciaga’s prophetic fears, the film presents a world where craft dissolves into mechanical conformity. The subject moves with eerie precision, their lifeless gazes hauntingly embodying the loss of individuality in the fashion industry. This visual allegory critiques the hypnotic grip of consumerism and the commodification of creativity.
In its silence, C’était une Vie de Chien speaks volumes—a lament for an era’s end and a piercing commentary on fashion’s transformation into a machine-driven spectacle.
2734—257
FILM
‘Nonpareils’
Malthouse Theare
Curator: Anabelle Lacroix.
Melbourne
2011
Model: Tristian Van Nes
DOP:Amanda de Simone
FILM
‘Nonpareils’
Malthouse Theare
Curator: Anabelle Lacroix.
Melbourne
2011
Model: Tristian Van Nes
DOP:Amanda de Simone
Nonpareils is a 1:21 silent film offering a sharp critique of the production of the fashion image. Through a minimalist yet incisive approach, the film examines the techniques employed by image creators, exploring themes of youth, anonymity, and framing. It draws attention to the deliberate cropping and composition strategies often used to construct desire and exclusivity.
By dissecting the visual language of fashion, Nonpareils unveils the simplicity behind techniques leveraged by large conglomerate fashion houses to market everyday luxury products. The absence of sound amplifies the focus on the imagery itself, encouraging viewers to critically engage with the constructed narratives and aesthetic codes that dominate the fashion industry. Curated by Anabelle Lacroix, the piece offers a thought-provoking commentary on the commodification of aspiration and the power of visual manipulation in contemporary culture.
By dissecting the visual language of fashion, Nonpareils unveils the simplicity behind techniques leveraged by large conglomerate fashion houses to market everyday luxury products. The absence of sound amplifies the focus on the imagery itself, encouraging viewers to critically engage with the constructed narratives and aesthetic codes that dominate the fashion industry. Curated by Anabelle Lacroix, the piece offers a thought-provoking commentary on the commodification of aspiration and the power of visual manipulation in contemporary culture.
2734—258
SCULPTURE
‘ANIMA’
Melbourne
2010
SCULPTURE
‘ANIMA’
Melbourne
2010
John Saint Michel's Anima delves into Carl Jung's theories of the anima and animus, examining the disrupted evolution of masculine and feminine identities in the modern era. By incorporating reconstituted protein shake supplement packaging, the work critiques how consumerism shapes and distorts identity—not only through body modification but also through the consumption of identity via imagery and societal ideals. Saint Michel invites viewers to reflect on the psychological and cultural consequences of this "glitch" in gender and self-perception.
Copyright John Saint Michel.