Lecture "Artists and craft"
Copyright : Ron Nagle
Artists and craft
Lecture by Anne Dressen
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Free Admission
Book here
Anne Dressen, art historian, exhibition curator in the contemporary department of the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, and contributor to the exhibition JB Blunk – Continuum, will discuss the relationship that many artists – like JB Blunk – have with craft (textiles, jewelry, ceramics, etc.); this will be an opportunity for her to revisit a trilogy of exhibitions held at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris and present her ongoing research, which aims to envision an inclusive and reflective museum of plural arts.
Special event : Millennial Trees - From California to Charente
Copyright : Paléocharente
Millennial Trees
From California to Charente
Special event
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Free admission
Book here
The Fondation will exclusively unveil the casting of the giant fossilized tree discovered at the Angeac-Charente paleontological site. This site, located in the Grand Cognac region (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), is one of the most important in Europe, particularly renowned for its exceptional discoveries, including the remains of one of the largest dinosaurs ever uncovered. The research is led by both professional and amateur scientists, organized under the association “Paléocharente.”
This unprecedented presentation takes place as part of a special event day organized by the Foundation on the theme of millennial trees, within the exhibition Continuum – JB Blunk, which will be exceptionally reopened for the occasion.
The public will be invited to rediscover the wooden sculptures of the American artist JB Blunk (1926-2002)—a legendary sculptor who drew inspiration from nature—and to admire the full-scale casting of the fossilized tree discovered in 2023 at the Angeac-Charente paleontological site near Angoulême.
This nearly 15-meter-long millennial tree, dating back 140 million years, will interact with Blunk’s works, which were made from remains of sequoias originating from Northern California, where he lived.
At 3 p.m., paleobotanist Léa de Brito and paleontologist Jean-François Tournepiche will engage in a discussion about fossils and what they reveal about environmental changes, the preservation of living heritage, and the contemporary challenges facing our forest ecosystems.
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Self-guided visits
At 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Guided tours with a cultural mediator (duration: 1 hour)
At 3 p.m.: Lecture by Léa de Brito (researcher in paleobotany at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris) and Jean-François Tournepiche (paleontologist)
On this occasion, Le Texte Libre will present a selection of books for children and adults on the theme of forests at the Foundation’s bookstore.
Léa de Brito
Temporary teaching and research associate (ATER) at the MNHN (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle) within the Paleontology Research Center in Paris (CR2P), holding a PhD in Science from the University of Liège. She is a paleobotanist, specializing in the study of fossil conifers from the Mesozoic era.
Jean-François Tournepiche
Honorary Chief Curator of Heritage, he served at the Angoulême Museum for nearly 40 years and co-leads the Angeac-Charente project within the “Paléocharente” association.
A geologist and paleontologist by training, he became a curator at the Angoulême Museum in 1986. Specializing in the study of Quaternary mammals, he has discovered and directed excavations at dozens of sites in Charente for the past 50 years. This scientific work has been complemented by efforts to promote this heritage through exhibitions, books, educational activities, and lectures. After the discovery of the Angeac-Charente site, he established a research, conservation, and valorization project for the site, leading a team organized under the “Paléocharente” association.
Meet Florence Wullai
Florence Wuillai
Residency in June 2024
Meet textile designer Florence Wuillai and sheep breeder Cécile Maisonnier
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Free Admission
Book here
The project
My sheep breeder is named Cécile Maisonnier
Following her 2023 residency at the Foundation, which focused on the traditional Charentaise slipper, Florence Wuillai, a designer specializing in textile research and development in wool, linen, and hemp, continues her exploration of wool and its new technical potential.
As part of the project to design the new residents’ house at the Foundation, Florence Wuillai collaborated with sheep breeder Cécile Maisonnier to create a rug. More than just a decorative object, it is a landscape that outlines the grazing plan of the breeder—a symbolic way for the designer to connect the material with its origins. This rug weaves connections between the actors of the same region and sparks a conversation about our relationship with the objects around us.
BLUNK SHOP POP-UP
A co-production by Fondation d’Entreprise Martell x WE DO NOT WORK ALONE x JB Blunk Estate.
Ceramic soja or sauce pitcher, limited edition of 150 pieces, handmande by ceramicist Sophie Irwin.
Price: 150 euros.
BLUNK SHOPSeptember 7 - October 20, 2024
On the occasion of the JB Blunk, Continuum exhibition, the Fondation d’entreprise Martell and the JB Blunk Estate have partnered with WE DO NOT WORK ALONE, a publishing house for functional objects designed by artists, to produce an exclusive edition of a sauce pitcher based on an original piece by JB Blunk from 1975, currently on display at the Foundation. This pitcher was selected by Mariah Nielson, JB Blunk’s daughter, as a representative piece of her father’s work. It illustrates JB Blunk’s relationship to craftsmanship and his absolute commitment to making everyday objects designed for his own use.
This reinterpretation (limited edition of 150 pieces), created by Strasbourg ceramicist Sophie Irwin, will be exclusively available for purchase exclusively at the Fondation Martell in Cognac, the Blunk Shop in Paris, and online at www.wedonotworkalone.fr and www.jbblunk.com. (Price: 150 euros) as of September 7th.
The catalogue of the exhibition will be available and for sale as of October.
The Blunk Shop, 58 rue du Vertbois, 75003 Paris
WE DO NOT WORK ALONE welcomes the Blunk Shop, a unique presentation of editions from the JB Blunk estate, featuring the Blunk Pitcher alongside a selection of objects by Martino Gamper, guest designer and scenographer of the exhibition at the Fondation Martell.
Practical Information:
From September 7 to October 20, 2024:
Tuesday – Friday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Saturday: 2 pm – 6 pm
For more information: 06 74 83 01 29
About WE DO NOT WORK ALONE
WE DO NOT WORK ALONE was created in Paris in 2016 by Louise Grislain, Anna Klossowski, and Charlotte Morel.
The company produces, in limited series, everyday objects designed by artists. It offers artists a departure from their usual practice by confronting them with the question of functionality and use. Based on artisanal or industrial know-how, these everyday objects are produced on a case-by-case basis, according to methods defined in collaboration with the artist. The project attempts to bring a fresh answer to the long-lasting question of the links between art and everyday life. Its name is also the title of a collection of thoughts on artistic creation by Japanese potter Kawai Kanjiro.
Cultural Programming and Ordinaire Extra !
© ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv / Fotograf: Schmid, Walter / Com_L27-0110-0001-0004 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Cultural Programming
Meeting and Conferences
Throughout the year, the Foundation offers meetings echoing the exhibitions.
ORDINAIRE EXTRA!
The Foundation offers a playful and creative program to extend the visit of the two exhibitions with family during each school vacation as well as initiation workshops throughout the year.
Robin Bourgeois – Wood, Paper, scissors
For ages 10 and up.
Wednesday, March 5, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Designer Robin Bourgeois invites you to explore chestnut wood weaving through cutting, weaving, and bending both wood and paper. This workshop aims to reintroduce this traditional craft from the Limousin region by creating an everyday object during the session.
Alice Roux – From the forest to the object
For ages 10 and up.
Wednesday, April 23, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
In this workshop, designer Alice Roux invites you to explore an amazing material: pine resin. Through various artisanal techniques, learn how to use resin as a raw material to design small objects.
Wood Workshop – Young Audience
Family workshop, for ages 8 and up
One Saturday per month from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Starting again in June 2025
Each child, accompanied by cabinetmaker Mathias Heinisch, will create objects while discovering the use of traditional tools.
Registration: ateliers_bois@orange.fr
€45 per child
Conference 'explorations of less"
Conference "Explorations of less"
MATHILDE PELLE INVITES ARNE HENDRIKS AND ERNESTO OROZA
As part of Paris Design Week and in conjunction with the “Chemin Creux” (Hollow Way) exhibition, the Martell Foundation presents a conversation between designer Mathilde Pellé and designers Arne Hendriks and Ernesto Oroza around the central question underlying her approach: “why is there something rather than less?”
Approached as a direction to be probed, the concept of “less” allows us to reconsider our material environments and authorises a critique of the dominant models that are curiously both producers of exhaustion and saturation.
In contrast to the prevailing trend in Western societies to always seek to generate “more”, this exchange invites us to take examine the approaches of designers at the forefront of design thinking: whether it be outlining hypotheses of reduction in the size of the human species (Hendriks), considering technical reappropriations and forms of technological disobedience in a frugal economy (Oroza), or even considering the resource at the heart of ruin (Pellé).
These approaches, bridging anthropology and design, open up new ways of considering our practices and our relationship to material needs, and imagine paths for the reformulation of a common equilibrium.
Mathilde Pelle, Designer and independent researcher
Arne Hendriks, Artist, art researcher & art historian
Ernesto Oroza, Artist, designer, researcher & professor – École Supérieure d’Art et Design de Saint-Étienne
Monday, September 9, 2024 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Espace Commines, 17 rue Commines à Paris 75003
European Heritage Days 2024
European Heritage Days
September 21st and 22nd
Book here
Woodworking Workshop for Children: “Blunk’s Apprentices!”
Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Each child, accompanied by the cabinetmaker Mathias Heinisch, will create two cedar wood spatulas in the spirit of what JB Blunk created for his home!
Details: €45/child. Reservation required. For children aged 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Reservations by email: ateliers_bois@orange.fr
Guided Tour of Two Exhibitions: “Grand Tour”
Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
For the 2024 European Heritage Days, the Foundation is pleased to welcome you for a guided tour of the JB Blunk “Continuum” and Mathilde Pellé “Chemin creux” exhibitions, accompanied by a guide. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Glass Workshop and attend a glassblowing demonstration by artisans Valentin Rizzo and Gaëtan Oheix.
Details: Free. Reservation required. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Guided Tour of the JB Blunk “Continuum” Exhibition
Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
For the 2024 European Heritage Days, the Foundation is pleased to present the exhibition of artist JB Blunk – Continuum. Discover the fascinating work of JB Blunk with a guide. Immerse yourself in the universe of this multidisciplinary artist. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Blunk’s sculptures, paintings, and installations while benefiting from the explanations and anecdotes of a guide.
Details: Free. Reservation required. Duration: 1 hour.
Guided Tour – Mathilde Pellé – “Chemin creux” (Hollow Way)
Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm
The Foundation invites you to explore the exhibition of designer Mathilde Pellé: “Chemin creux.” Dive into an immersive guided tour to discover Mathilde Pellé’s unique subtractive practice. This visit will allow you to explore the designer’s captivating work and learn more about the creation of the “Chemin creux” ‘Hollow Way” exhibition. Join us on Saturday, September 21, at 6:00 PM (duration: 30 minutes).
Details: Free. Reservation required.
Chromatic Mediation: “Do You Know Torula Black?”
Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Designed and developed since 2011 by Sumiko Oé-Gottini, a sensory design researcher specializing in color, “chromatic mediation” aims to raise awareness of socio-ecological transition issues and to enhance tangible and intangible heritage through the observation of color.
A chromatic mediation experience centered around Torula Black will be offered throughout the city of Cognac!
Details: Free. Reservation required.
Biodiversity Fresco
Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Biodiversity Fresco is a fun and cooperative workshop aimed at raising participants’ awareness of biodiversity issues.
During this workshop, participants will discover how ecosystems function, the role of biodiversity for humanity, its interactions with human activities, and the threats related to its decline.
Registration: Online at www.fresquedelabiodiversite.org
Price: Pay what you wish, starting at €5 (excluding reduced rate).
Sensory Tour: “Beyond Sight”
Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Foundation offers you an immersive tour: “Beyond Sight,” where you will discover the JB Blunk-Continuum exhibition, engaging all your senses with a mediation kit specially designed by students of the DNMADE at Charles Coulomb High School in Angoulême.
Prepare for a one-of-a-kind artwork hunt. This event is a perfect opportunity to explore art in an innovative and sensory way.
Details: Free. Reservation required. For children aged 8 and up.
Milan Design Week 2024
Pictures
Emma Pflieger et Antoine Foeglé – Keep it Flat © MUDAC – Etienne Malapert
Hors-Studio – To Bind © Ella Perdereau
The Light Library © Marine-Rouit Leduc
Milan Design Week 2024
April 15 to 21, 2024
Agora du Design
The Foundation is delighted to support the Agora du Design as it participates in Milan Design Week from April 15 to 21, 2024, where the projects of the 2021 laureates will be presented. This exhibition, held at BASE, an artistic research center, offers international visibility to designers Marine Rouit-Leduc, Hors-Studio, Emma Pflieger, and Antoine Fœglé.
In 2024, the Foundation announced a new biennial partnership with the Agora du Design, committing to host the winners of the 2023 and 2025 research grants in design and curation awarded by the Agora Prize, in residency. Thanks to the support of the Pernod Ricard Group, the Foundation also annually supports the presentation of the laureates’ work during a highlight of the international design scene.
Exhibition of the laureates from April 15 to 21, 2024, at BASE, Milan
Opening reception on April 15 at 5 p.m.
Conference "Slow-Made"
© Mobilier national
European Days of Craft
April 5, 2024 at 6.30 pm
Conference "Slow-Made"
presented by Marc Bayard
Book here
On the occasion of the European Days of Crafts, Marc Bayard will lead a conference on “Slow Made.”
Slow Made means “made with the necessary time.” This movement, launched in 2012, aims to rehabilitate the value of time in order to produce, work, and consume better. It seeks to federate and valorize the creative sector in a broad sense and also to encourage the consumer to become an actor by choosing an object that carries shared values, a sustainable model opposed to the disposable consumption model and planned obsolescence.
This movement acknowledges a return to reality, the necessity of long-term thinking, and the affirmation of the body. Based on these observations, the movement, seen as a space for debate, develops perspectives for reflection in order to act on the current ecological transition.
Marc Bayard is the Head of the Mission for the Valorization of Crafts and Innovation at the Mobilier national, where he has programmed numerous contemporary artists, including Yan Pei-Ming, Eva Jospin, Pierre&Gilles, Maurizio Galante&Tal Lancman, Sheila Hicks, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, or Harry Nuriev.
With a PhD in Art History from EHESS, he is a former resident of the Villa Medici and has directed the Department of Art History at this institution for six years. He has also been a member of the Cabinet of the Minister of Culture, Mr. Frédéric Mitterrand.
He is the author of “Design du pouvoir. L’Atelier de Recherche et de Création du Mobilier national” (2016), and “Slow-Made. Manifeste du geste humain” (2022).
Screening of the film "The River"
© Météore Films
ScreeningMarch 21, 2024
The RiverA film by director Dominique Marchais
On the eve of World Water Day, the Foundation is organizing an exceptional screening of Dominique Marchais’ new film, “The River,” in the presence of the director. A poetic film about the rural world, an ode to water and nature which recently received the Jean Vigo Prize. The screening will be followed by a discussion between the director and designer Olivier Peyricot. Between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic flow powerful rivers known as the gaves. Cornfields make them thirsty, dams block salmon migration. Human activity disrupts the water cycle and the river’s biodiversity. Men and women cast their curious and loving gaze towards this fascinating world of beauty and disaster.
Thursday, March 21st from 8 pm at the Galaxy Cinema, Châteaubernard
In partnership with the Galaxy Cinema and Eurociné-Cognac
Unique rate: 5 euros