Xenakis exhibition
Paris, France
PHILHARMONIE DE PARIS
Scenography: WILMOTTE & ASSOCIÉS ARCHITECTES
Graphism: BERNARD LAGACÉ
Lighting: PATRICK MOURÉ
MÂKHI XENAKIS
THIERRY MANIGUET
380 sqm
2022
Set design for the "Révolutions" - Xenakis exhibition at the Cité de la Musique - Philharmonie de Paris.
To mark the centenary of the birth of composer Iannis Xenakis, the Philharmonie de Paris celebrated the many facets of one of the most prolific artists of the second half of the 20th century in an exhibition entitled "Xenakis Revolutions".
The exhibition presents the many facets of the creator Iannis Xenakis. The exhibition is thematically and chronologically structured around some twenty musical and architectural works. The scores are treated as works of art in their own right. The visitor experience is completely immersive, and is aimed at the widest possible audience, whether or not they are fans of contemporary music.
The elements of the scenography are all inspired by the work of Xenakis. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a printed anamorphosis of a network of cables from the Montreal Polytope in the French Pavilion at the 1967 Universal Exhibition. A wire structure has been installed like a claustra to begin the tour. Wood and steel were used mainly for the partitions, furniture and plinths. The atmosphere is intimate, inviting visitors to interact with the elements on display.
My parents took me to the 1958 Universal Exhibition in Brussels. Nothing fascinated me more than the Philips pavilion, the joint work of Le Corbusier and Iannis Xenakis. I can even say that this visit was largely responsible for my becoming an architect.
Jean-Michel Wilmotte
architect
