From June 29 to September 22, 2024, La Citadelle - Centre d'Art & Musées de Villefranche-sur-Mer presents an immersive artistic experience with its "Contemporary Art Journey Indoors/Outdoors." This exceptional exhibition features the works of Estrid Lutz and Benoit Barbagli, two contemporary artists who use their art to explore the human condition and our interaction with the environment. Set against the majestic backdrop of La Citadelle, the exhibition promises a deeply contemplative and reflective experience.
Estrid Lutz: "Chaos Sensible"
Estrid Lutz, a French visual artist born in 1989, currently resides and works in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. This coastal city, renowned for its stunning natural environment, profoundly influences Lutz's work. A graduate of the Beaux-Arts de Paris and the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, Lutz is captivated by cutting-edge materials and technologies used in aeronautics, aerospace, and defense. She incorporates these elements into her artworks, creating unique pieces that blend technological sophistication with artistic aesthetics.
For this exhibition at La Citadelle, Estrid Lutz presents "Chaos Sensible," a collection of works created during her artist residency at CIRVA (Centre International de Recherche sur le Verre et les Arts Plastiques). These works delve into the complexity and fragility of the human condition. The materials used, often sourced from high-tech industries, are reinterpreted to create pieces of raw and refined beauty. Visitors can expect to encounter works that challenge traditional art conventions, incorporating elements like glass and advanced composites to evoke themes of vulnerability and resilience.
Benoit Barbagli: "Symphonie Sous-Marine"
Benoit Barbagli, a conceptual technology engineer, lives and works in Paris. His artistic approach is distinguished by using the natural environment as a performative space. Barbagli is particularly interested in the interaction between humans and the landscape and how this interaction leaves a lasting imprint on our environment.
In "Symphonie Sous-Marine," exhibited in the gardens of La Citadelle, Barbagli presents an underwater photographic journey that explores aquatic ecosystems. This series of photographs examines the relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the beauty and fragility of underwater landscapes. Barbagli invites visitors to reflect on the impact of human activity on these delicate environments. Additionally, Barbagli is developing a network for transmitting thoughts at a distance without an interface, an avant-garde exploration of the possibilities of technology and human connectivity.
An Immersive and Contemplative Experience
The "Contemporary Art Journey Indoors/Outdoors" exhibition extends beyond the interior walls of La Citadelle. The gardens of this historic site play a crucial role in the immersive experience offered to visitors. The synergy between the artworks and the surrounding landscape allows for total immersion, where each piece interacts with the space it occupies.
Opening Hours and Practical Information
The exhibition is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on public holidays, from June 29 to September 22, 2024. Visitors can explore Estrid Lutz's works inside La Citadelle, while Benoit Barbagli's photographs are displayed in the gardens, offering an integrated artistic experience with nature.
Visionary Artists
Estrid Lutz: An Exploration of Materials and Technology
Estrid Lutz is renowned for her innovative use of high-tech materials. Her works captivate by their ability to merge industrial elements with artistic sensitivity. Lutz explores the boundaries of contemporary art, integrating materials often reserved for specific technical applications. Her creations are visual meditations on the human condition and the implications of technology in our daily lives. Through "Chaos Sensible," Lutz encourages us to reflect on human vulnerability in the face of technological advancements.
Benoit Barbagli: A Deep Connection with Nature
Benoit Barbagli, as both an engineer and an artist, blurs the lines between science and art. His work in "Symphonie Sous-Marine" demonstrates a deep understanding of natural ecosystems and a commitment to raising awareness about their preservation. Barbagli's underwater photographs capture moments of tranquility and beauty in aquatic environments, while emphasizing the need to protect these fragile spaces. His project of transmitting thoughts at a distance without an interface reflects on human connectivity and the potential of technology to bring people closer together.
The Contemporary Art Journey Indoors/Outdoors at La Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer is a unique opportunity to discover contemporary artworks in an exceptional setting. The creations of Estrid Lutz and Benoit Barbagli offer innovative perspectives on the interaction between humans and their environment, inviting deep reflection on our place in the natural world. Do not miss this enriching exhibition, which promises to captivate and inspire all its visitors.