DJ Napoleon

BRUCE MERITTE is, above all, the art director of his own life.
Born in Paris on Sunday, April 7, 1968, at 10:55 PM, Bruce started his life with a cry that already meant "enjoy your fuckin’ life"—a motto that would later govern his every action, to the point where he had it tattooed on his arm so he would never forget it.
With his high school diploma in hand, he enrolled at ASSAS while simultaneously attending a business school, but what truly thrilled him was the world of "the Night." He quickly became an essential figure in the most beautiful Parisian nights, organizing parties in the capital's most iconic and sought-after clubs. From "Bus Palladium" to "Les Bains," via "Le Palace," "Chez Régine," or "Le Duplex," no venue could resist his innovative ideas before he became the owner of "Villa Barclay," a legendary club of the 90s.
Curious, multifaceted, and eager for new experiences, he later worked with Fabien Ontoniente on the music for the film "Camping," then with Sébastien Chabal during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and for the brand Dupont, for whom he created the DJ Case.
In 2009, upon the death of Michael Jackson, he got the idea to photograph the figurines he had been collecting since he was very young. He owns more than 500 of them. From Casimir to Marilyn Monroe, including Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, Barack Obama, or Daft Punk, no character escapes him. It is a collection acquired over the years by hunting through flea markets, garage sales, and spending hours researching on the internet.
Behind this collection hides a big kid who doesn't want to grow up. He stages them, photographs them, and quickly began exhibiting his creations, first at the Galerie Think & More, then at the Black Block at the Palais de Tokyo, as well as at the Fouquet’s and the Galerie Pierre Cardin. The success he encountered earned him the privilege of being included in prestigious auctions at Artcurial and Drouot.
His influences lie on the border between pop art and advertising—which is not really a coincidence, as his father was the head of an advertising agency in the 80s where he spent a lot of time.
His works often offer a double reading behind a positive message. He draws his inspiration from life, on a street corner, in a book, while listening to music, or during his many travels. Another passion: music, which is part of his DNA and will always have a major place in his life.
An eternal optimist, Bruce has chosen, despite life's ups and downs, to always see the bright side of things. In fact, every morning in front of the mirror, he repeats to himself: "HAPPINESS IS A HABIT," one of his favorite phrases taught to him a long time ago by his friend Jean François Magne. His life is a succession of improbable encounters that have allowed him to live magnificent moments. Sometimes provocative, he likes to disturb and push people to make them think. A word of advice: if you hope to run into him, you’d better be a night owl!