Barbie Newton Diptyque

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 move, to the point where he had it tattooed on his arm so as not to forget it.
With his high school diploma in hand, he enrolled at ASSAS while simultaneously attending business school, but what truly thrilled him was the world of the “Night.” Very quickly, he became a key figure of the best Parisian nightlife, organizing parties in the most iconic and popular clubs in the capital. From “Le Bus Palladium” to “Les Bains,” by way of “Le Palace,” “Chez Régine,” or even “Le Duplex,” no venue could resist his innovative ideas before he became the owner of the “Villa Barclay,” a legendary club of the 90s.
Curious, a jack-of-all-trades, and eager for new experiences, he later worked with Fabien Ontoniente on the soundtrack 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, following the death of Michael Jackson, he had 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, by way of Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, Barack Obama, or Daft Punk, no character escapes him. A collection acquired over the years by hunting through flea markets, garage sales, and spending hours searching the internet.
Behind this collection hides a big kid who doesn't want to grow up. He stages them, photographs them, and very quickly begins exhibiting his creations—first at the Think & More Gallery, then at the Black Block at the Palais de Tokyo, but also 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 dual reading behind a positive message. He draws his inspiration from life, on a street corner, in a book, by 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 positive 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 that his friend Jean-François Magne taught him a long time ago. His life is a succession of improbable encounters that have allowed him to experience magnificent moments. Sometimes provocative, he likes to disturb and push people to make them think. A piece of advice: if you hope to run into him, you’d better be a night owl!

Diptych

90x70cm