This work, produced in 1995, represents an oversized four-layer wedding cake mounted on motorcycle wheels. At the top, replacing the traditional figurines of the bride and groom, sits a sculpture of an owl. A text numbered from 1 to 20 titled “Le gâteau de mariage” (April 1995) accompanies the sculpture. It notes, ironically, that this metallic cake “will never be eaten” and that it will “burn with the flame of ridicule” (Desrosiers, 1995, our translation). Unpolished and imposing, the cake is decorated with hearts, squares, roughly cut-out garlands, and a banner engraved with the poem “Nous.” Symbolizing outdated rituals, this work cynically and humorously addresses the institution of marriage – its promises, hopes, and doubts.

Proposed donation from Julie Desrosiers on behalf of the estate of Julie Desrosiers (died 1996).