In a world this absurd and disastrous, do we gravitate toward cynicism or levity? For the artist duo known as Murmure (previously), both are the only option.
The Caen, France-based pair presents a new body of paintings and charcoal drawings in their plainly titled exhibition, La fête est finie, or The party is over. Through a unique sense of wit and irony, they transform astronauts into runway models, the moon into a nuclear power plant, and a birthday cake into a raging forest fire.
“Moon Walk” (2025), carbon pencil on paper, 50 x 40 centimeters
Where there could be commonplace sights or moments of joy and frivolity, Murmure instead presents an unsettling composition. Every ill-advised choice—whether baking in front of a UV screen or watching cows graze on an ice floe—becomes a spectacular confrontation with our collective obsessions with consumerism, ecological wreckage, and self-serving gluttony.
La fête est finie is on view through November 22 at Galerie LJ in Paris. Find more from the artists on their website and Instagram.
“UV #2” (2025), carbon pencil on paper, 35 x 35 centimeters
“Nuclear Moon” (2025), carbon pencil on paper, 50 x 70 centimeters
“A Mushroom Story” (2025), acrylic on canvas, 200 x 150 centimeters
“Happy Birthday” (2025), carbon pencil on paper, 55 x 40 centimeters
“UV #1” (2025), carbon pencil on paper, 180 x 130 centimeters
“Cooler Age” (2025), acrylic on canvas, 50 x 70 centimeters
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