Après Vous, Le Déluge consists of a blue dotted line fixed to the walls of the building's atrium. Although constructed with solid, tangible sculptures, the dotted line becomes an indicator of an invisible but probable limit: the estimated height, as predicted by the 2015 Paris Agreement, of sea level rise over the next century due to climate change.
Located in the atrium of Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées, its position has a direct impact on the meaning and interpretation of the work. Firstly, the geographical location of the work is important: it is situated in the French capital, host of the 2015 international climate conference where the Paris Agreement was signed with the unprecedented support of 196 states. On the other hand, the work re-contextualises and destabilises the familiar and pleasant space of the department stores' by prompting a discussion on climate.
Thus, Après Vous, Le Déluge offers visitors an abstract but visual representation of what might happen to their immediate environment should the worst projections of climate change finally materialise. It is an invitation to consider the palpable consequences of climate change on our daily lives, presenting an image of water that easily seeps into the familiar scenarios of our reality.
The title Après Vous, Le Déluge paraphrases the quote of the French king Louis XV: "Après moi, le déluge" while playing with its multiple interpretations. On the one hand, an abstract prophetic statement of chaos; on the other, a declaration of indifference. The phrase also points to our individual and collective behaviours, and how we can influence change.
With Après Vous, Le Déluge, the message comes straight from the ocean. By physically showing the likely negative consequences of our collective behaviour, the work emphasises that we have no choice but to radically transform the way we live together.
