Basquiat, 2020

Bruce Meritte  

BRUCE MERITTE is above all the artistic director of his life.
Born in Paris in 1968, Bruce starts his life with a cry which already means “enjoyyourfuckin' life" a motto which will later govern each of his actions until he has it tattooed on his arm so as not to forget it.
With his baccalaureate in hand, he enrolled in ASSAS and at the same time in a business school, but what really thrilled him was the world of “Night". Very quickly he became a key figure in the most beautiful Parisian nights by organizing parties in the most emblematic and popular clubs in the capital. From the "Bus Palladium", to the "Bains", via "le Palace", "Chez Régine" or even the "Duplex", no place resisted his innovative ideas before becoming the owner of the "Villa Barclay", a legendary club. from the 90s.
Curious, jack-of-all-trades and eager for new experiences, he then worked with Fabien Ontoniente on the music for the film "Camping", then with Sébastien Chabal during the 2007 Rugby World Cup or for the Dupont brand for whom he creates the DJ Case.
In 2009, when Michael Jackson died, he came up with the idea of taking photos of these figurines that he had been collecting since a very young age. He owns more than 500. From Casimir to Maryline Monroe via Steve McQueen or Franck Sinatra, Barrack Obama or Daft Punk, not a character escapes him. A collection acquired over the years from antiquing in flea markets, garage sales, or by carrying out hours of research on the internet.
Behind this collection hides a big child who does not want to grow up. He staged them, photographs them and very quickly exhibited his creations first at the Think & More Gallery, then at the Black Block at the Palais de Tokyo, but also at Fouquet's, and at the Pierre Cardin Gallery. His success earned him the privilege of being included in prestigious sales at Artcurial and Drouot.
His influences lie on the border between pop-art and advertising… which is not really a coincidence, his dad having been the boss of an advertising agency in the 80s where he spent a lot of time.
His works often offer a double reading behind a positive message. He draws his inspiration from life, at the corner of a street, from a book, while listening to music or even during his many travels. Another Ingres violin: the music which is part of his DNA and which will always have a great place in his life.
Eternal optimist, Bruce chose despite the vagaries of life to always see the positive side of things. Moreover, every morning in front of the mirror he repeats to himself: “HAPPINESS IS A HABIT", one of his favorite phrases that he learned long ago from his friend Jean François Magne. His life is a succession of improbable encounters that allowed him to experience magnificent moments. Sometimes provocative, he likes to disturb, jostle people to get them to think. A word of advice: to hope to meet him, it is better to stay up late!