Since its creation in the 1870s, in a context of rapid expansion of transport, Atelier 11 Cité Falguière in Paris has remained a beacon for artists from all over Europe and beyond. Paris, known both as the heart of France and the epicentre of European culture, has prided itself on having one of the world’s largest rail networks since the Middle EastTwo World Wars, making it a hub of connection and accessibility for artists around the world. At this pivotal time, exchanges between artists of different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds led to an explosion of artistic innovation, marking the advent of modernism, a defining period in art history, called the École de Paris. This group of international artists came together in the lively Montparnasse neighbourhood, forming a cohesive artistic community that fostered exchange, inspiration and collaboration. The Cité Falguière has established itself as the epicentre of this cultural effervescence, welcoming more than a hundred French and international artists in nearly 150 years of existence. Recently recognized as a Heritage of Regional Interest, Atelier 11 will be rehabilitated to continue to welcome artists and cultural professionals as an International Art and Research Residence.
The Sun of the Dead
Spatio-temporal encounter at the Cité Falguière
Exhibition organized by Margaux Knight and Eladio Aguilera, residents of L'AiR Arts.
This year, the central theme of the European Heritage Days offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical paths of the past and discover valuable information for the present. The project «The Sun of the Dead» seeks to create a creative porosity between contemporary art and modern art, highlighting the continuous presence of elements of the past in the present and creating a tangible link between generations of artists.
This dialogue between the living and the dead, between ghosts and presences, offers a profound reflection on memory and cultural identity. The exhibition explores how identity, heritage and architecture interact with cultural and bodily acts, where visitors are invited to reflect on their own relationship to culture and heritage. It also questions the notion of movement and inertia in the context of cultural consumption, highlighting the complex dynamics between tradition and modernity.
«The Sun of the Dead» is positioned as an act of salvation of the public good, a strong commitment to space and history. The project aims to enhance and raise public awareness, in line with the objectives of the European Heritage Days. By creating a powerful narrative, the exhibition seeks to raise awareness and promote the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage. This commitment is reflected in concrete actions to rehabilitate and preserve Atelier 11, the last surviving workshop of the Cité Falguière.
«The Sun of the Dead» at Cité Falguière is much more than just an art exhibition. It is an invitation to encounter and reflect, where past and present coexist harmoniously. By engaging the public in a dialogue about memory and identity, this project aspires to create a space where the legacy of the Paris School, ancient and contemporary, is preserved and celebrated.