EXHIBITION ART D’ÉGYPTE The sculpture “Desert Waves”, created by Jean Boghossian and Gilles Libert in September 2023, will be exhibited for the 4th edition of Art D’Égypte in 2024. The artists aim to create a new staging by presenting the sculpture on an artificial mound to dialogue with the pyramids and the exceptional archaeological site of the Giza plateau. This choice also aligns with the theme of the Art D’Égypte exhibition, “Excavation.” This innovative staging creates a meaningful connection between the artwork and the surrounding landscape, thus enhancing the interaction between art and history.
Link Between the Works
The sculpture by Jean Boghossian and Gilles Libert, showcased at Art Egypt, embodies the theme of excavation, while establishing an architectural and symbolic dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
Large corten steel sheets emerge from the desert in an organic composition evoking the image of an archaeological discovery unearthed after meticulous research. The burnt edges of the metal sheets resonate with Jean’s burnt books, exhibited in the Library of Alexandria, creating a profound symbolic connection.
The sculpture arises through an earthen mound in a pyramid-like structure that creates in its form a powerful visual connection with the ancient pyramids of Giza. The interplay between the mound and the industrial materiality of the steel, creates a narrative of endurance through a contemporary lens. This juxtaposition mirrors the way the artefacts of the pyramids themselves harmonize with the natural landscape of the desert.
The sculpture becomes an immersive experience, inviting viewers to navigate within its structure via a staircase leading to an observation point atop the mound. It offers à space where viewers can perceive the timeless surrounding landscape in a new and engaging way reflect on the passage of time and the layers of history that lie beneath their feet.
Like a silent witness to the passage of time, the installation stands before the pyramids of Giza, bridging ancient history with modern artistic expression, offering an integrated immersive experience.
Integration with Jean Boghossian’s Artistic Vision
Jean Boghossian’s work, characterized by his exploration of fire as both a destructive and creative force, deeply complements this project. His use of burning techniques to transform materials into art address’s themes of memory, transformation, and the ephemeral nature of existence. Jean’s burnt books, exhibited in the Library of Alexandria, serve as a poignant reminder of knowledge lost and rediscovered, seamlessly integrating into the concept of our sculpture in front of the pyramids.
Jean’s artistic philosophy revolves around the interplay between creation and destruction, making his contribution essential in conveying the profound symbolism of our work. His ability to infuse meaning into the remnants of fire aligns perfectly with the vision of our sculpture, where burnt leaves emerge from the earth, symbolizing the birth of history from its ashes.
Integration with Gilles Libert’s Artistic Work
Gilles Libert’s artistic vision, which melds sculpture and architecture, along with his deep understanding of materials and use of parametric tools, adds a profound layer to the artwork. His approach often explores the interplay between natural forces, creating organic forms that evoke elements of nature with a sense of movement and fluidity.
His ability to transform raw materials into evocative shapes that resonate with the surrounding context through form or symbolism, allows the sculpture to become a living part of the existing landscape of the Giza pyramides. His artistic vision enhances the symbolic narrative of the sculpture and enriches the aesthetic and conceptual depth of the piece making it a powerful statement on the continuous evolution of history and the preservation of cultural memory.