Valentin Carron (born in 1977 in Martigny, Switzerland) is one of the most convincing artists of his generation. His main source of inspiration is the canton of Valais, whose cultural heritage has been significantly influenced by tourism. In inscribing some familiar images of his region in a new context, Valentin Carron creates an ambivalence effect and sows trouble. His works throw into doubt the authenticity of the objects and their usual meanings, recalling that identity is ultimately only a construction.

Valentin Carron completed his studies at the Cantonal School of Art in Lausanne in 2000. Visitors to Art Basel 2009 remember Valentin’s huge outdoor sculpture, “Carron,” a black cross standing on the esplanade of Art Basel. In 2004, the Swiss Foundation for culture Pro Helvetia published the very first monograph on the work of Valentin Carron in their Cahiers d’Artistes Collection. Carron has published two catalogues with JRP | Ringier, and on the occasion of his exhibition at the pavilion Swiss of Venice, released an artist’s book, also with JRP | Ringier, in which he presents a series of collages combining recent sculptures, background details, and Photoshop effects.