Marion Boehm Allemande, 1964-2023
CHOCOLAT , 2018
Mixed media on paper
122 x 151 cm
© Photo : Marion Boehm
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Born a slave in Cuba in 1865, Rafael Padilla fled to Paris, where he was noticed in 1888. For two decades, he formed a duo with the white clown Footie. The character he portrayed as "Chocolat" inspired artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec. The first black artist to shine in music and dance in France, his image was used by famous brands. Padilla also introduced laughter therapy as a hospital clown. Commemorative plaques honour his memory in Paris and Bordeaux. Marion Boehm wanted to pay tribute to him with this work.
Exhibitions
Solo Show AYN Gallery, Paris
Algerian Cultural Institute Exhibition in collaboration with AYN Gallery, Paris