RERO Série Akrasia, Untitled (Réparer le Futur…) repair the future, 2023, lent by Backlash Gallery, commission by Foundation EDF for the show

The title of the new show at Fondation EDF, is a little strange: “Demain est annulé, de l’art et des regards sur la sobriété”. (Tomorrow in canceled, of art and observations on sobriety). Are we living in such a world of excess that we have to contain ourselves? It seems like that with the new tantrum of Dry January! The premises of the foundation (part of  Electricité de France group) which promotes education and environmental solutions, have been entirely restored by Atelier 1un with a new space in the cellar for showing videos and a more confortable hallway. And the works – photographs, installations, paintings, videos- by young artists are all interesting whether “sobriété” interests you or not. My favorite was a 5,45 mn video at night in Bois de Vincennes where Hicham Berrada, films two people activating the flowering of dandelions thanks to artificial light. The film was produced by the school of  Le Fresnoy in 2012.

Odonchimeg Davaadorj, Enraciné, 2018 ink on fabric, lent by Backlash Gallery

The recently appointed director Alexandre Perra, is not responsible for this show which was planned two years ago, but he underlined that the theme of sobriety had never been more actual. It is interesting to think that a company based on spending energy, electricity, favors research in limiting this spending. Dominique Bourg, who is co curator of the show is a philosopher and he promotes the reconnection with nature and spiritualism. The title of the exhibition and the painting which goes along, was inspired by climatologist Ed Hawkins and his warming stripes. The blue an red stripes show the gaps in temperatures over multiple decades.

Evelyn Pultara, Bush Yam (Dream of the Yam), lent by Galerie Arts d’Australie. Stéphane Jacob

The aboriginal community of Utopia put forward the role of women who collect medicinal plants and food. Their rituals are centered around vegetals among which Yam  which can be eaten and are particularly good for people living in the desert. It induces dream and invites you to take your time. In “City-Sleepers, Marike Schuurman shows pictures of workers who take a nap on their building site in Beijing in 2008. In the middle of society’s turmoil of the preparation for the Olympic games, they follow the rythm  of the day and know when to sleep

Marike Schuurman, “City Sleeper”, 2008, lent by the artist

Chloé Bensahel does research on how to use modern techniques to transmit stories and sensations. Her tapestries carry an electronic wire which lights the work when you touch it. The traditional art of weaving serves our future life through contemporary techniques.

Chloé Bensahel, “Tender Trouble, 2023, tapestry which lights up when you touch it
commission form the foudnationEDF

An interactive installation by Korean artist  Jisoo Yoo, invites us to be filmed on a screen where we can watch ourselves emerge from a sea of lights. This work like Hicham Berrada’ was produced at Le Fresnoy studio.

Hicham Berrada, Natural Process activation, Bloom, 2012

Gabriele Galimberti‘s series of photographs “Home Pharma” which shows families with heir personal collection of medicine. Some of the 34 pictures were published last year in Elle magazine. While one picture shows a young couple in a small sixth floor studio with computer and trendy kitchen and a whole array of medicine, the other shows an African with only medicinal plants. The galleries are punctuated by videos of interviews of a social researcher, a geographer or aphilosopher. “Why is solidarity a composer of sobriety” is one question asked. “Can we preserve nature and still maintain our lifestyle?” is another.

Gabriele Galimberti, Home Pharma, 2016-2020, loan of the artist

A large curtain made of Coca Cola plastic corks and tooth brushes by Zimbabwe artist Moffat Takadiwa intrudes a concludes the show. It is called “Land of Coca Cola and Colgate”. This country imports industrial waste to transform it and “re-use” it. This installation made of recycled objects is a critic of environmental problems due to our over consumption. Te curtain looks like a traditional costume and is named “The vestige of colonialism”.

Moffat Takadiwa, Land of Coca-Cola ad Coldgate, 2019, Semiose gallery

I was happy to see this Fondation EDF again with an artist from Mongolia whom I love, Odonchimeg Davaadorj. I had met her at a Drawing Factory salon two years ago and  she immediately struck me as being wonderful.

Entrance to the Gallery on 6 rue Récamier is free. So do not hesitate to go and learn more about our future until September 29!