EAST AND WEST DESIGN AT ÉLOGE DE L’OMBRE IN ARLES
Éloge de l’ombre is a conversation piece that gracefully bridges East and West design philosophy. It also highlights the quiet genius of artisans known and unknown. At Villa Belle-Amie in Arles, this singular exhibition unfolds like an intimate salon. It is orchestrated by Anne Carpentier and Graziella Semerciyan. Their dialogue—curatorial and poetic—fuses the contemplative hush of Japanese aesthetics with the tactile vitality of Mediterranean craft, representing the essence of East and West design.
From François Champsaur’s sculptural furnishings to Elise Péroi’s ethereal textiles, each object invites you to linger in its shadow. Indeed, the selection of Anne Carpentier is a study in restrained elegance that showcases east and west design elements. Moreover, it is punctuated by the works of Maison Intègre, Juliette Lemontey, and Jean Marquès. They are creators who understand that beauty often lies in the discreet detail. In contrast, Graziella Semerciyan assembles contemporary voices like Maxime Delavet, Frugalestudio, and Natsuko Uchino. Consequently, their pieces hum with a quiet, subversive energy.
A Program of Conversations and Rituals
But Éloge de l’ombre isn’t content to merely exhibit—it also stages a living conversation. From July 7 to July 14, 2025, Villa Belle-Amie becomes an arena for exchange. Picture this: Martine & Florence Moulis, sabreuses de velours, in dialogue about textile legacies that reflect east and west design. Or Emma Bruschi, whose rustic-modern costumes have bewitched the fashion world, discussing savoir-faire alongside museum curator Clément Trouche.
On July 8, fermentation becomes a sensual language. Pascale Brevet, Eugenio Mailler, Adrienne Saulnier-Blache, and Michelin-starred chef Armand Arnal guide guests through tastings. These are as thoughtful as they are delicious.
A Space Where Shadows Illuminate and East and West Design Meet
Like its namesake, an homage to Tanizaki’s essay celebrating shadow as an aesthetic force, “Éloge de l’ombre” proves that darkness can be luminous. Whether it’s the patina of an antique textile or the quiet glow of contemporary ceramics, each artifact and exchange, influenced by East and West design concepts, reveals something. It shows how objects hold memory.
This exhibition is more than a collection. It is an atmosphere, an ephemeral community, and an invitation to see what emerges when the light dims. In an era addicted to immediacy and spectacle, Éloge de l’ombre whispers. It suggests that the most profound connections happen in the half-light.
Éloge de l’ombre Exhibition Practical Information:
Éloge de l’ombre, Villa Belle-Amie, 1 rue Robespierre, Arles Trinquetaille
Dates: July 1–14, 2025
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One day when I was barely two my mom let me push her out of her bedroom. She was curious so she ran outside the house so she could watch me through the window. I climbed up on a chair by her vanity and started putting on her makeup. I loved playing dress up as a kid. Putting on my mom's sequin tube tops and high heeled shoes and then putting on a dance show in the lobby or the restaurant of the hotel/residence we lived in. It was the best childhood ever. Dress-up, dancing, playing with barbies, and drawing were my favorite things to do. I have not changed one bit today. If I am creating I am happy.
Now I am in Paris for the second time in my life and I am having a ball playing with my partner in crime Julien Crouigneau. We founded IRK Magazine together in 2015 and we are proud to collaborate with some amazing artists, and influencers.
We are also a photography duo under the pseudonym French Cowboy. We love to tell stories and create poetic images that are impactful.
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