The Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 are the perfect occasion for the House of Guerlain to celebrate gold, the precious metal that inspires athletes as well as the whole world.
Having sustained an irrepressible fascination throughout time, gold transcends its physical nature to take on symbolic attributes that give it universal value. From the creation of the Abeilles bottle in 1853 to its contemporary interpretations, this symbol of excellence and timelessness, intimately linked to Guerlain’s history and works, has become its signature.
Curated by Jean-Luc Monterosso, founder of the MEP and Artistic Director of the Contemporary Image Museum in Chengdu, and Benoît Baume, founder of Fisheye, the House of Guerlain presents the exhibition OR NORME, bringing together the works of sixteen artists exploring the dreamlike possibilities of this legendary metal: Carolle Bénitah, Paul Cupido, Harald Gottschalk, theduo Graphset et Amandine Besacier, Morvarid K, Yves Klein, Enzo Lefort, Cédric Matet, Pedro Motta, Isabel Muñoz, Martin Parr, Pierre et Gilles, Georges Rousse, Rodolphe von Gombergh, Sophie Zénon and Wiktoria.
From the inlays in Carolle Bénitah’s creations, serving as a symbol against forgetfulness, to the incorporation of leaves in Georges Rousse’s pieces and Yves Klein’s fresh take on our environment, or even the incorporation of ingots in Martin Parr’s documentary- style vision imbued with irony, gold is reinterpreted in various forms by artists.
It poetically expresses itself, offering a fresh perspective on the significance and utilisation of contemporary art.
For this event, the House of Guerlain has undertaken two special commissions. The first one is by the famous Spanish photographer Isabel Muñoz, who has created for the occasion, a unique print on glass using 24-carat gold. The second commission is by Graphset and Amandine Besacier, who have installed an innovative optical experience through the prism of gold.
This exceptional exhibition, illuminated by this vibrant, solar, and radiant hue, invites us to revisit the history of photography with sensitivity, shining a light on the artistic heritage and aesthetics of the House of Guerlain.
This project has been certified by Paris 2024 as part of the Cultural Olympiad.
“We could see in the use of gold at Guerlain a luxury, but I rather believe that we borrow here one of the most beautiful colours from nature. That of honey and pollen, that of flowers, and even the one from the stars that illuminate us.” – Jacques Guerlain
OR NORME
June 6 to September 12, 2024
La Maison Guerlain
68 avenue des Champs-Élysées
75008 Paris
Open Monday to Saturday: 11 am. – 8 pm.
Sunday: 12 pm. – 7 pm.
www.guerlain.fr
