The Fondation d’entreprise Martell reopened on June 25 in Cognac, France for a summer of unique programming focused on design and craft. The immersive exhibition “Places to be” is on view to the public alongside “Atelier du faire,” a crossover residency between artists and artisans.
On the ground floor this summer, visitors will experience “Places to be,” a group show featuring the work—much of it new—of 14 designers appearing together for the first time. Installed across 11 adjoining rooms, each designer was entrusted to imagine a fully-formed environment, from furniture to objects, useable by attendees.
Courtesy of Fondation Martell, photo by © C.K. Mariot.
The idea closely resembles the well-known game Clue, each room made from concentric circular metal walls, coming together to create a playful and mysterious atmosphere. There’s a hot pink bathroom with graffitied walls by Jerszy Seymour; a stark bedroom with a mattress on a platform from Ornaghi & Prestinari; a dancefloor complete with bar, lounge, and coat rack by Wendy Andreu; a guest room with a hanging chair with a plush throw by Porky Hefer; a “please touch” sensory-filled game room by Yuan Yuan; a rainbow stair kitchen by Matali Crasset; a living room complete with dreamy drapes, a curious cabinet, and leaf-covered floor from Anima Ona; a checkered lobby by Clément Brazille; and a sun-drenched verandah with a Zen garden by Céline Thibault & Géraud Pellottiero.
This season, the foundation also inaugurates “Atelier du faire,” a creative space dedicated to experimentation across mediums like glass, ceramics, wood, and textile. The production workshops are set to be a space for different types of creatives to come together and broaden their practice. Each artist is able to bring their own skillset to the table which enables everyone to learn from one another. Organized events will also enable the public to interact with the creators and their work. This year, nine artists were selected to participate in the residency. Featured within “Ateliers du faire,” is the work of Guillaume Bardet, a long bronze table, and chandelier, installed to represent faith in humanity.
Courtesy of Soho House Berlin.
The Fondation d’entreprise Martell, which launched in 2016, is a cultural space where art and culture come together to showcase exhibitions, host residencies, offer space for permanent works, events, and more.
