FKDL Exhibition for the Inauguration of the Cultural Center of Allauch

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The urban contemporary artist, painter, and collage maker FKDL – Franck Duval presents a retrospective of his work, exploring the main theme of a tribute to Marcel Pagnol, accompanied by his latest creations and iconic works.

“Tribute to Jacqueline Pagnol” and “Jones Midi” by FKDL (collages and painting on canvas).

Inauguration of the Cultural Center of the Electric Factory in the City of Allauch

This is a multifaceted and unique encounter. An exceptional exhibition in an equally exceptional place, where the historical richness of an industrial building with incredible volumes intertwines with an undeniable artistic heritage, welcoming for over twenty years renowned classical dance companies, painters, and photographers.

This unique site, which was established in 1906 and has been fully restored after 36 months of work, is destined to become a key Provençal cultural venue. Beyond the temporary exhibition spaces, it now houses a media library, the Tourist Office, and a coworking space, while awaiting the opening of the Marcel Pagnol Museum by 2027.

“Lumières du temps” (Lights of Time): an exhibition by FKDL, from October 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025

This beautiful Electric Factory is being taken over by the artist in the same way he has throughout his career, by creating murals and painted walls in our cities, in France and around the world, as well as in public, ephemeral, or alternative spaces.

A modern and contemporary dialogue, yet rooted in classical and popular worlds inscribed in our collective memory.

Another fruitful encounter is the one FKDL has maintained and explored for several years with the work of Marcel Pagnol, thanks to the complicity and friendship of Nicolas Pagnol. Knowing that the Marcel Pagnol Museum will open in 2027 on the first floor of this very building, in the heart of the Allauch region that inspired and was immortalized by Marcel Pagnol, FKDL’s exhibition “Lumières du temps” takes on its full meaning.

FKDL, a certain representation of time and happiness

Jean-Charles Tacchella once said: “That is Pagnol’s lesson: when you left one of his films, you were happy. Sometimes you even thought you were better.” A feeling we share at every FKDL exhibition.

Franck Duval’s aesthetic was shaped from magazine illustrations and old papers that he first used in “scotch art.” A magical and prolific practice whose medium is pieces of tape. Influenced by fashion design, circus arts, and cinema, his work then developed into different artistic styles such as collage, painting, and drawing. His identity is characterized by the use of bright colors, geometric patterns, and abstract shapes, combined with figurative elements. The omnipresence of female characters testifies to Franck Duval’s feminist commitment to affirming the place of women in public space.

Outside his studio, FKDL’s playground is the city. Murals, artistic installations in public spaces – FKDL’s work claims to transcend the boundaries between contemporary art and street art. In this urban art for everyone, we find the same generosity that Franck Duval brings to the art workshops he leads for both young and old.

The Marcel Pagnol Prize: the enchanting world of childhood

Franck Duval found in the Marcel Pagnol Prize a way to express his dreamlike, aesthetic, and ethical world. Since 2010, he has accompanied this literary prize dedicated to childhood memories. Initially by creating all the illustrations for the Prize invitations, adapted from original paintings, and later by joining the Jury. Notably, he created the artwork (collages and acrylic on wood) celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Marcel Pagnol Prize, as well as all the visuals for the year marking the 120th anniversary of Marcel Pagnol’s birth in 2015.