Mariane Ibrahim presents The Long Run, Clotilde Jiménez second solo exhibition at the gallery’s Parisian space, from June 7 and until September 28, 2024.

The Long Run expands the artist’s explorations of movement, identity, community, and competition, building upon previous works, including the Official Olympic Posters series he created for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Traditional narratives of competition are challenged in works that foreground the importance of solidarity and shared experiences over individual victories. As an artist working in the medium of collage, Jiménez forges bonds between disparate elements, presenting them as a unified whole, mirroring the way athletes embody a fusion of community, nationality, family, and culture. His figures, composed of interlaced gestures and expressions, speak to the interconnectedness of our journeys and how individuals embody collective strength to overcome barriers.

In La Danza del Listón, the characters features are intricately embedded, echoing Jiménez’s words, I am thinking a lot about a group winning, and not just a singular athlete, as many of my figures are constructed with a multitude of faces and gestures that build the image. Through the new works that compose The Long Run, the artist highlights the communal infrastructure of sports, which relies on cultural pride, global connection and mutual support.

The artist’s reflections on the Olympic Games reveal an even deeper narrative. The event serves as a celebration that also showcases societal dynamics, as athletes who might come from marginalized spheres in their home countries become celebrated on the world stage. This duality highlights the broader societal implications beyond mere patriotism, as people connect with athletes who reflect their own identities and personal narratives.

Clotilde Jiménez views the Olympics as a unique opportunity, allowing people to come together and see beyond differences, fostering instead a brief but significant human encounter. With the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a backdrop, Jiménez’ new series serves as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when individuals achieve this connection.

marianeibrahim.com