"Me, you and the sunset"
Joel Mesler

This Summer, Chateau La Coste is delighted to present "Me, You and the Sunset", a solo exhibition by the celebrated Californian artist Joel Mesler (b.1974, Los Angeles). Mesler, who is known for creating nuanced, vivid canvases that delve into the interplay between typography and image, seamlessly combines personal narratives with broader collective experiences. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Richard Rogers Gallery, Mesler will bring a series of new works, including paintings and sculptures, inspired by the luminous Provençal sunsets and the artist’s own personal reflections.

Typical of Mesler’s exploration into passages of time, the twelve new paintings trace a lineage of connection, starting with the individual ("the Me") and culminate in a profound engagement with the landscape and those that inhabit it. Inspired by Mesler’s visit to LaCoste last summer, the paintings embody the light, beauty and serenity of Château La Coste, as well as the abundance of plants, herbs, and nature that surrounds the cantilevered gallery. The works invite viewers to contemplate their own connections to the world around them.

The paintings feature a range of vibrant colours that mimic the spectrum of a sunset— from the silky smooth collision of Skyburst reds and yellows to the calm greens and blues of the night.

The richly patterned canvases foster moments of introspection and dialogue featuring words such as "Me," "You," and ending with the phrases "Joy," "Love” and “Sunrise”. These words sit on top of bold leaf patterns that are a recurring motif throughout Mesler’s work, and a nod to the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles (a key part of the artist’s childhood) as well as making reference to the rich greenery found in the soft curling hills of the Luberon Valley . Alongside the paintings, Mesler has created a ‘beachball’ sculpture, cast in bronze, inscribed with the words “Me You Us”.Mesler’s seemingly cheerful and summery paintings also delve into more complex emotions connected to the artist’s life. His personal journey traverses the realms of identity, relationships, and the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, offering visitors a multifaceted experience of his artistic world.