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“Serge Gainsbourg: Initials L.G.” brings out haute society at the French Institute Alliance Francaise

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A haunting portrait of Gainsbourg & his stunning wife Jane Birkin at the French Institute

Photography by Rose Hartman. "Serge Gainsbourg; Initials L.G." exhibit pays homage to France's Musical genius at the French Institute: Alliance Francaise----March 23rd opening

Neither snow nor sleet kept several hundred guests from attending the opening of “Serge Gainsbourg:Initials L.G.” at the French Institute: Alliance Francaise. Gainsboug, the most prominent & provocative French songwriter of the 60’s and 70’s was as famous for his decadent life and cynical wit as for the songs he sang.( Unfortunately, his beloved wife, Jane Birkin was not in attendance).

The exhibit, a compilation of striking, rare images shot by the likes of Helmut Newton and William Klein, focuses on Gainsbourg’s relatively short, but tumultuous life (he died at 63). I met Roger Szmulewicz, the  brilliant art dealer and curator who spent years assembling this remarkable collection that has traveled from his Belgium Fifty One Fine Art Gallery, via Sothebys in Paris, before landing in NY. Interestingly enough, the initials in the title refer to Gainsbourg’s original name-Lucien Ginsburg(changed when he joined France’s songwriters’ society in 1954).

Guests in attendance also  included curator Charlie Schieps, striking model Cristina Kruse, Chelsea art dealer Julie Saul and other photo aficionados who later migrated to the art-filled apartment of Michele Gerber Klein to enjoy good champagne and witty conversation.

Host/French Institute board member Michele Gerber Klein relaxes at the end of her cocktail party
Global traveller Chiu-Ti Chiuti & art critic Paul Laster at Michelle Gerber Klein's apt celebrating Gainsbourg exhibit
Guests Tristan & Christina Kruse enjoy the post-opening hosted by Michelle KLEIN GELLER
Photographer Roger Jazilick & Chelsea art dealer Julie Saul at MG Klein's apt
Belgium art dealer/curator Roger Szmulewicz curated this powerful exhibition at the French Institute Alliance francaise
A haunting portrait of Gainsbourg & his stunning wife Jane Birkin at the French Institute
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