Myriam Merch, nicknamed “Sexy Merch Yéyé” during the artistic period of the Po$t-Zozo$ group to which she belonged alongside Capitaine Lonchamps, André Stas, Béatrice Jacquet, Guyri Macsaî, Martine Struzik and Véronique Stas, is a multidisciplinary artist who was long associated with Cirque Divers. Winner of the bronze medal of the Prix Europe de peinture in 1984, she renamed herself “Sexy Expédition Yéyé” in 1992.

That same year, she decided to take a three-month break from her work at Creahm to travel to Madagascar, attracted by her favorite animal, the lemur. These creatures, which remind her of a childhood memory, motivated her to discover this country, home to some 70 different species. What was supposed to be a three-month trip turned into an adventure lasting over 30 years.

Since then, she has been exploring Madagascar, drawing inspiration from her surroundings, collecting objects and constantly drawing new inspiration from the island that has become her adopted home. For the first five years, she traveled the country by foot, bicycle, dugout canoe or bush cab, recording her experiences in travel journals. She draws, observes and gleans objects and materials that she then incorporates into her works.

Myriam creates stories and legends inspired by the moments she immortalizes in her paintings, sculptures and installations. Her works, imbued with exoticism and the omnipresence of lemurs, illustrate rites, customs and anecdotes. This is not anthropological work, but rather a dreamlike exploration, in a style akin to Figuration Libre, characterized by bright, vivid colors and a wealth of detail. Each canvas is an invitation to dive in, as if on a journey. Inspired by Malagasy tales and local reality, she blends these elements with her own dreams. For her, “Imagination exists because it’s true”. She uses the world around her as a support for her inspirations.

The “Salon de coiffure chez Ninie” series has its origins in memories of popular clothing fashions in Madagascar, as seen on local television around 2010. At the time, Myriam was working in a hotel where she came across many local celebrities with provocative outfits and colorful hairstyles, mixing kitsch, glamour and Malagasy tradition. Part of this series was exhibited at Espace 59 Rivoli in Paris.
– Aurélie Frankenne