The Many Lives and Deaths of Louise Brunet

The Many Lives and Deaths of Louise Brunet is an exhibition that brings together hundreds of works of art, objects, and archival documents from different geographies and millennia, exploring trans-historical narratives of fragility and resistance. It is based on the story of Louise Brunet, a silk spinner from the Drôme who joined the revolution of the "Canuts" in 1834 and ended up in the Lyon-owned silk factories of Mount Lebanon. The exhibition portrays Brunet as an elusive figure who appears in different guises in various places and moments in history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Silvana

The Many Lives and Deaths of Louise Brunet is a captivating exhibition that brings together an extensive collection of over several hundred works of art, objects, and archival documents, spanning diverse geographies across several millennia. From the masterpieces of Cranach to the iconic designs of the 1960s industrial era, and from ancient funerary stele to exquisite 18th-century Japanese Samurai armor, the exhibition showcases a remarkable array of treasures from local and international institutions. It excavates trans-historical narratives of fragility and resistance, challenging them with a diverse range of works created by the artists invited to participate in the biennale.

Departing from the historical backdrop of Lyon, the exhibition is conceived as a retelling of the enigmatic 19th-century tale of Louise Brunet, a silk spinner hailing from the Drôme region. After aligning herself with the revolutionary "Canuts" (silk weavers) in 1834, Louise embarked on a transformative journey of self-reinvention, culminating in her employment at the silk factories owned by Lyon in Mount Lebanon. In this exhibition, Louise Brunet is portrayed as an elusive figure, a blend of reality and fiction, manifesting in various guises across different periods of history.

The exhibition unfolds in a series of interconnected galleries, each dedicated to exploring different facets of Louise's life and artistic journey. The galleries are meticulously curated, showcasing a wide range of media, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works. The artworks themselves are rich in symbolism and narrative, drawing upon historical events, cultural traditions, and personal experiences to convey the complexities of Louise's existence.

One of the key themes of the exhibition is the concept of transformation and reinvention. Louise Brunet's journey from a humble silk spinner to a prominent figure in the industrial and political landscape of 19th-century France is a testament to her resilience and determination. The exhibition explores how Louise's experiences shaped her artistic vision and how she used her creativity to navigate the changing social and political landscapes of her time.

Another notable aspect of the exhibition is its exploration of gender roles and identity. Louise Brunet was a woman who defied societal expectations and broke barriers in her pursuit of success and self-expression. The exhibition highlights how Louise's gender identity played a significant role in her life and work, and how she challenged traditional gender norms and stereotypes.

Through its diverse collection of artworks and archival materials, The Many Lives and Deaths of Louise Brunet offers a profound insight into the complexities of human existence and the enduring power of art to capture and convey the essence of our shared history. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with the rich tapestry of Louise's life and to consider the broader themes of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of individuality in a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, The Many Lives and Deaths of Louise Brunet is a must-see exhibition that offers a captivating journey through the life and art of an enigmatic figure. Through its diverse collection of works and its thoughtful exploration of themes, the exhibition provides a profound insight into the complexities of human existence and the enduring power of art to capture and convey our shared history.

Weight: 874g
Dimension: 268 x 230 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788836652983