Kouper Chaplin

25th June - 5th July 2014
Laboratori delle Arti/Spazio Hall - Dipartimento delle Arti
Piazzetta Pier Paolo Pasolini 5/b

If we were to record the history of Chaplin illustrations, Léo Kouper’s work would surely stand out amongst the rest for only his was the result of direct dialogue with Chaplin himself, and therefore received the actor’s own criticisms, suggestions and praise. In the mid 1950s, Chaplin entrusted Kouper with the image of the Tramp. The rough drafts, the evolution of the illustrations submitted to Chaplin – and the subsequent rejection of many – and the elaboration of new versions are a direct reflection of what Chaplin intended for his audience. In this case, the audiences were those of the re-releases of his films – initially in the 1950s, and then again in the 1970s – which included new, potential generations of viewers. Kouper’s works indirectly narrate the history of the second and third lives of these unforgettable films on the big screen.

The exhibit showcases over 70 original works by the French artist.

Open from Monday to Friday, from 2.30 pm to 9 pm
Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 9 pm
On Saturday June 28th at 4 pm, a guided tour with Léo Kouper