Le Gentil Garçon (aka The Nice Guy) is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice mixes sculpture, drawing, video, performances, and installations. He has had an artistic practice since 1998. His work is shown internationally and since 2006, he has also been chosen several times to design artworks for public art commissions. In 2020, he showcased his artworks under the title ‘Stories Bloom’ in Trivandrum and ‘Anima’ in Kochi in collaboration with Alliance Française de Trivandrum and Kochi Biennale Foundation. Using the traditional practice of Kamishibai, visual and participatory storytelling titled ‘Chronicle of the Past World’ was also presented by the artist in Kerala.
The Rick-show project was developed by Le Gentil Garçon during a residency in Kerala in 2020. It consists of a mobile cinema that fits within a box transported on an auto-rickshaw. When it is unfolded, all the elements necessary for the screening and mediation, as well as public seating, “pop up.” The idea of this project is to bring art to the streets and to those who may not otherwise have access to it. Art videos and films from the Fonds d’art contemporain de la Ville de Genève and Fonds régional d’art contemporain Occitanie-Montpellier will be screened for the audience. The Rick-Show project has been developed in partnership with the Department of Design of College of Architecture Trivandrum (CAT).
When the Rick-Show unfolds, the world of cinema pops up. Why Rick-Show? Because it brings cinema to people on an everyday object – an auto-rickshaw. This artwork creates moments of conviviality after the long months of pandemics without cinema. Within the heart of the project, there is the desire to showcase contemporary art films to communities that have little access to artworks in India (remote regions, underprivileged communities, etc.). There is also the idea of reaching out to a wider audience in the public space through a permanent – but mobile – artwork capable of touching the heart of Indians both through its medium and its contents.
Nicolas FACINO (Director) adds, "Within the framework of bilateral relations between India and France, Alliance française du Bengale in Kolkata since 1940 has been the pioneer in sharing and establishing a bond through the common expression of Indo-French linguistic, literary and cultural confluence in the great-eastern region of India. Alliance française du Bengale, affiliated to the international network of Alliance françaises in the world and recognized by the Embassy of France in India is the only official French language training, DELF-DALF and TCF examination, translation and cultural institute in this region. AfdB is also well-known as a space for documentation of French books, magazines, journals, music CDS and film DVDs to help you with in enhancing your horizon in the language. The institute as a non-profit organization is driven by a Council of Administration, consisting of twelve local personalities, having, nonetheless, a close administrative link with France and is managed by one expatriate staff member, the Director nominated by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador of France in India is an ex-officio member of the Council of Administration of the Alliance française du Bengale and traditionally delegates the Consul General of France in Kolkata to represent him. This year in 2020 we are celebrating 80 years of AfdB’s existence in the Cultural Capital of India and this long history, as well as the upcoming days, is a story that we are writing together with the Embassy of France in India, with the Consulate General of France in Kolkata, and with 13 other Alliance françaises in the country. With an excellent team of expert Franco-Indian teachers along with a group of creative and efficient employees, we constantly aim to provide the best possible French language learning experience to our clients. On the other hand, exclusively authorized by the Embassy of France in India AfdB is the only official one-stop solution for quality French translation and interpretation service in West-Bengal and in Eastern region of the country. With a long, rich history of cultural exchange Alliance française du Bengale continues to be the premier platform for cultural and artistic action specifically including French, Francophone and Indian artists who have, or whose work has, some French connection and remain within the French or Indo-French cultural context.
Witness mobile cinema on a rickshaw that fits within a box. Explore five thematic shows from renowned art film collections offered to the general public and art lovers. Alliance française du Bengale, the official French learning and cultural centre in India, is offering Rick-Show, a mobile cinema for public spaces by Le Gentil Garçon aka The Nice Guy at Park Mansions in Park Street, the iconic food and nightlife hub of Kolkata. From 6:30 pm onwards between Apr 29 and May 1, cinema can be experienced on wheels using the concept of mobile cinema that can be transported in a rickshaw, as part of the 4th edition of Bonjour India Festival. A moment for furthering people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, in its fourth edition in 2022, Bonjour India celebrates 75 years of India’s Independence and 75 years of the establishment of Indo-French diplomatic relations, a milestone moment in any nation’s history. Besides projects narrating the shared history of the two countries, through photography, science, and letters, Bonjour India will also be an opportunity to ring in some positive vibes, build communities, foster social interaction, and create opportunities for diversity, joy, and amity after a long time since the pandemic overtook the world.
