Sign of change

Updating the subversive

Contemporary Art | The 2013 FIAC saw the rebirth of the UNTEL trio formed by Jean Paul Albinet, Philippe Cazal and Alain Snyers at the stand of the Michèle Didier gallery which has published an archive box of subversive and out-of-place works produced by the group in the post-68 era : an amusing appraisal of the political and social aspects of everyday life. The message was relevant and re-energised at the FIAC with the « flash sale » of an UNTEL kraft bag bearing the words, « Plus rien à vendre tout à échanger » (nothing left to sell, everything for exchange) for 1 euro (30 euros with a certificate). All of their maxims of the time have proven themselves to be a visionary look at the world and their « tourist » badge concept is as relevant as ever. The films of their performances are doing the rounds once more, such as the update of Edouard Manet’s « Déjeuner sur l’herbe » (lunch on the grass) projected in the « Private Choice » exhibition as part of the VIP FIAC pathway. Nowadays, the subversive humour at the core of UNTEL offers a perceptive view of society.

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