“Flâneries” is an immersive artistic project that transcends cultural boundaries, bringing together the rich tapestry of French and New York influences through the medium of ceramic art. This exhibition stands as a testament to the creative prowess of our Philia artists—Lisa Allegra, Elisa Uberti, Elsa Foulon, Leontine Furcy, and Pia Chevalier—who have delved into the intersection of nature, urbanity, and the feminine essence, expressing their interpretations through the versatile medium of ceramics.
Inspired by the timeless themes explored in the literary movement of the “Flâneur”, a term intimately associated with the works of Charles Baudelaire and Walter Benjamin, the exhibition aligns itself with the Flâneur’s contemplative strolls through the city, absorbing the cultural nuances, contrasts, and poetic intricacies of urban life.In the concrete city of New York, ‘Flâneries’ becomes an exploration of not just physical spaces but also the diverse and dynamic human stories that unfold against the backdrop of skyscrapers and bustling streets. It is an ode to the art of aimless wandering in the heart of a vibrant metropolis, and the artists draw inspiration from the ebb and flow of the city’s energy, translating it into tangible expressions through the pliable nature of ceramics.
The artists – Lisa Allegra, Elisa Uberti, Elsa Foulon, Leontine Furcy, and Pia Chevalier – employ a diverse range of ceramics techniques to breathe life into their interpretations of flânerie in the context of New York City. Delicate forms echo the elegance of Parisian boulevards, while robust, expressive sculptures capture the vibrancy and vigor of city life. Sustainability is woven into the methodology, promoting eco-conscious choices in material selection, and overall artistic practices.
Ceramics, chosen deliberately for its transformative qualities, becomes a narrative medium. Each piece in “Flâneries” tells a story – a fragment of a flâneur’s journey through the urban labyrinth. The medium’s adaptability allows for the incorporation of various textures, shapes, and colors, mirroring the eclectic vibrancy of New York City. The Ceramics serve as both storytellers and interpreters on this journey.
This exhibition has been supported by Oui Design!, a program of Villa Albertine, Albertine Foundation and Mobilier National, with the support of Institut français.
