Philippe Katerine has imagined several creative projects, including installing his iconic character, Monsieur Rose, on the facade of La Voix du Nord building (Grand’Place in Lille). Symbolising “Mignonisme” (or “Cuteism”), a movement born in the artist’s exuberant imagination, Monsieur Rose embodies a unique vision of art, encouraging the celebration of beauty hidden in small, everyday things.
Philippe Katerine explains: “Mignonism has existed since the dawn of time, but I rushed towards it during lockdown. I had time on my hands. I started looking at things that I’d stopped noticing, all the little everyday things. These things allowed me to spend those experimental times in a lighter mood. Seeing cuteness everywhere, even in awful things, is amazing!”
With his rounded, entirely pink silhouette, Monsieur Rose has become an emblem of wellbeing and optimism. After winning over millions of people in cities such as La Rochelle, Lyon and Montréal, he has now set his sights on Lille, where he is sure to attract the public’s curiosity and wonder.
Philippe Katerine’s work can also be seen in an exhibition at LaSécu in Lille from 26 April.