Marie Cool Fabio Balducci

The performances of Marie Cool (b. 1961, Valenciennes) and Fabio Balducci (b. 1964, Ostra) are devoid of theatricality and sophisticated staging. The works are made with limited means (sheets of A4 paper, wire, adhesive tape, pencils) and simple technical devices such as light, shade and movement. Whether performed live in the presence of an audience or recorded on camera, the works focus on simple gestures, often carried out slowly and with a concerted regularity. Working together since 1995, Cool and Balducci have, since 2005, also produced drawings using a photocopier, opening the lid of the machine during the reproduction process to generate different effects. The fragile character of these drawings is coherent with the subtle nature of their performances, which can be characterised by their singular approach to working with space and in time.