Patricia Laigneau : The Gardens of Art
Patricia Laigneau transcends the concept of the garden, transforming it into living artwork where art and nature merge in perfect alchemy. As an artist, collector, and discreet photographer, she has redefined the role of the gardens at Château du Rivau, creating a space where contemporary art unfolds in harmony with plants. Trained at the École du Louvre in art history, her rare insight combines botanical expertise with an extraordinary aesthetic sensitivity. Her gardens, far from traditional codes, are inspired by the principles of naturalism and English gardens, while daring bold plant associations and color compositions, where each flowerbed seems like a living sculpture.
She views the garden as a creative experimentation ground, where every element questions and redefines the very notion of landscape. Thus, she invites contemporary artists to engage with nature, as seen in the 2019 celebration of the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death, where 35 artists were invited to honor the genius. Each year, the gardens become a vibrant place of exchange for art and history.
Her collection of contemporary art, marked by refined humor and a sense of wonder, echoes her vision of the garden as a constantly evolving work. In a scenography inspired by curiosity cabinets, the works of painting, sculpture, and photography displayed at the château lead visitors into a sensory and intellectual exploration of the world. “Surprise awaits,” and the upcoming exhibition promises to enrich this immersive experience with over eighty fascinating works. Under Patricia Laigneau’s visionary eye, Le Rivau becomes a space where art and nature reinvent themselves, where each piece challenges our perception of beauty and imagination.
Instagram: @pat_chateaudurivau / Website: www.chateaudurivau.com
News: “Surprises at Rivau” from April 1 to November 11, 2025: Contemporary Art Exhibition around the Château du Rivau collection.
Your first photographic trigger?
Patricia Laigneau: The photographs of old Paris by Atget and Marville, then humanist photography, and later, photographic art thanks to the Printemps de Cahors, initiated by one of my oldest friends, Mathé Perrin, in 1991. Later, garden photography with Clive Nichols.
The man or woman of images who has inspired or inspires you?
P.L.: Sebastião Salgado and Gisele Freund.
The images you particularly enjoy creating?
P.L.: I enjoy taking photos of gardens where I try to capture the light that enhances the textures of the plants.
The image that moved you the most?
P.L.: Hunger by Werner Bischof.
The one that made you angry?
P.L.: The Harcourt portraits.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
P.L.: All images by Karl Blossfeld.
The image that obsesses you?
P.L.: The photographic painting.
If there were no budget limits, what artwork would you dream of acquiring?
P.L.: The works of Sugimoto. They are so mystical.
In your opinion, what quality is necessary to be a good photographer?
P.L.: Patience.
The secret to the perfect image, if it exists?
P.L.: To me, it would be an image that translates the photographer’s sensitivity.
The person you would love to photograph if given the opportunity?
P.L.: My mother, who is no longer with us.
The photographer you would like or would have liked to have take your portrait?
P.L.: Joan Fontcuberta.
An essential photo book?
P.L.: The Decisive Moment by Cartier-Bresson.
The camera from your childhood?
P.L.: A basic Kodak.
The one you use today?
P.L.: A Canon EOS R6 Mark II, and my iPhone.
Your favorite drug?
P.L.: Art.
The best way for you to disconnect?
P.L.: Finding myself in my garden.
What is your personal relationship with images?
P.L.: A mnemonic trace. Photography has the power to suspend time, to fix the ephemeral in a sensitive memory.
What do you see when you catch your reflection in a mirror?
P.L.: “The Large Glass” by Marcel Duchamp.
Your greatest quality?
P.L.: Patience.
Your latest folly?
P.L.: Fabrics bought in India.
An image to illustrate a new banknote?
P.L.: A Pantheonized person.
In your opinion, what is the difference between photography and art photography?
P.L.: I would say that some are made by reporter photographers and others by creative photographers.
The place you never get tired of?
P.L.: My garden.
In terms of social media, are you more Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter?
P.L.: Instagram.
In photography, color or black and white?
P.L.: Unfortunately, I don’t master black and white.
Daylight or studio light?
P.L.: Daylight.
Which city, in your opinion, is the most photogenic?
P.L.: New York or Paris? The choice is difficult.
If God existed, would you ask Him to pose for you, or would you prefer a selfie with Him?
P.L.: Why not a selfie?
If I could organize your ideal dinner, who would be at the table?
P.L.: My most interesting friends.
The image that represents the current state of the world for you?
P.L.: One of Martin Parr’s images.
The image that comes to mind right now?
P.L.: Philippe Chancel’s icebergs. Will they disappear?
