Claire Fontaine
Claire Fontaine (France, 2004) is a collective feminist conceptual artist founded by Fulvia Carnevale and James Thornhill. Adopting the name of a popular French stationery brand, they declare themselves a 'readymade artist,' critiquing authorship and authority through appropriation and expropriation. Their works, including neon signs and installations, address political and social issues, such as the 'Foreigners Everywhere' series exhibited at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
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Claire Fontaine is the collective pseudonym of two artists, Fulvia Carnevale and James Thornhill, who have been working together since 2004. Described as a "readymade artist," Claire Fontaine's work critiques contemporary art, politics, and society through a diverse range of media, including sculpture, installation, video, and text-based art. The collective's practice is deeply rooted in the concept of "political art," often exploring themes of power, alienation, and the commodification of culture. Claire Fontaine frequently employs found objects and readymade materials, recontextualizing them to challenge traditional notions of authorship and creativity. The work is characterized by its conceptual rigor, blending humor with incisive social commentary, and addressing issues such as neoliberalism, consumerism, and the role of the artist in society. Claire Fontaine has become an influential figure in contemporary art, known for pushing the boundaries of political and conceptual art. (Artist website)
What is appropriation?
Appropriation in art involves using pre-existing images or objects with little or no modification. This technique has played a significant role across various art forms, including visual arts, music, performance, and literature. In visual arts, appropriation refers to the practice of adopting, sampling, recycling, or borrowing elements—or even entire forms—o…
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