She is a key figure in the artistic scene of Nice, but not only there; her unique kissing technique has taken her all the way to Moscow for a performance in the heart of the Russian capital. This time, on Saturday, Valérie will perform at the Cap 3000 shopping center.
Nice Premium: Valérie, a new kissing performance at Cap 3000 this Saturday?
Valérie Arboireau: To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the event agency at Cap 3000 was looking for an original event to offer women. It’s not a holiday I adore, far from it, and we needed to think of a stronger and more generous symbolism.
A curious challenge in the world of overconsumption represented by this mall. Offering your feelings, giving your energy and body is a strong emotional mark of love that women will accomplish on Saturday… in public!
NP: How will your new performance unfold?
VA: In the morning, I will talk about my work and artistic inspirations. In the afternoon, there will be three creation workshops at 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM.
The participants will draw a freehand heart of love and create a stencil. With a red, pink or fuchsia lipstick, they will put on makeup and kiss a blank canvas dozens of times. The result: a painting representing their heart painted with their own kisses.
A giving of oneself, a beautiful symbol of love…
NP: A little bird told me you’re currently working on a performance project for International Women’s Day in Nice?
VA: Your little bird is quite chatty…
Yes indeed, I am working on a giant performance where, instead of kissing the canvas alone in front of a passive audience, I’ll involve the public.
I want to associate this performance with International Women’s Day because, for me, the first feminist act is “to have self-confidence” and “to believe in one’s abilities”.
Women from all walks of life, all conditions, all ages will be able to come and leave their mark. At the end of the day, an immense painting will appear, signed by the mouths of all these women concerned with this cause, directly or indirectly.
NP: Finally, what are your other projects in the coming months?
VA: I’m working on organizing new exhibition themes for the Motus-Art Picking gallery on Cours Saleya.
Soon “Nice to Meat You” around flesh, “Attention to the Knife” around plants, and jazz, rock, soul music for this summer…
I’m also preparing a pilot radio show with my friend Luc Martinez, a sound designer, around the …kiss. And otherwise, a few small evening events at mOma, with, notably, the evening visitors of Botox(s) in May.
