Valerie Carmet "Pride is Progress"

Valerie Carmet "Pride is Progress" 2023

Mixed media: Wood, Plexi, Spray Paint, Recycled and Collectible PEZ Dispensers
Dimensions: 37in x 23.5in x 4in
Limited Edition of 10
Signed on Recto and Verso, includes a certificate of authenticity.

Valerie Carmet, a French-American Pop Art assemblage artist, calls both Miami and NYC home, blending the vibrant energies of these two cultural hubs. Originally hailing from France, she ventured into New York's dynamic fashion scene in 1989, where her journey into the world of art began to unfold.

In 1995, Carmet's artistic path took root with the creation of intricate mosaics, a testament to her innate mathematical instincts and keen skills. Over the years, she honed her craft, culminating in the birth of her signature ToyBox Collection in 2013. This innovative series, born from a desire to breathe new life into discarded toys, serves as a platform for Carmet to explore profound societal issues with a playful twist. Through her art, Carmet boldly addresses topics such as overconsumption, violence, gender equality, and mental health, inviting viewers to reflect on these themes through the lens of childhood nostalgia. Her work challenges norms and sparks conversations, exhibited globally for over two decades.

“This bold piece critiques the intersection of patriotism and LGBTQ+ rights. This version called the Progress flag is constructed entirely from PEZ dispensers—an iconic childhood relic repurposed to challenge exclusionary nationalism. By peeling back layers of identity, Pride is Progress questions who is truly included in the American dream and asserts that true patriotism embraces diversity. In an era where policies seek to erase marginalized identities, this piece insists that civil rights must evolve to protect and include all.”  - Valerie Carmet

For more information on the exhibition visit our website.