matali crasset celebrates olive oil : internal nature

‘internal nature’ espace d’art le moulin, france june 5th – september 20th, 2010

‘double skin’, 2010 olive oil carafe blown glass 2 pieces  25 x 10 cm in diameter image courtesy of gandy gallery

as the espace d’art le moulin was originally an olive oil mill, french designer matali crasset wanted her exhibition ‘internal nature’ taking place at this gallery to reflect the physical and symbolic qualities of olive oil as a virtual symbol of ‘vegetable gold’.

‘I love to base my work on the context I’m presented with. here I pursue my work on a plant theme, which makes perfect sense for this art center, where art lives in osmosis with the baudouvin gardens.’ – MC

‘présence argentée’ or ‘silvery presence, 2010 olive oil carafe. silvered blown glass 24 x 11 cm in diameter image © cécil mathieu image courtesy of gandy gallery

the exhibition has two parts: the first is dedicated to one of matali crasset’s personal projects, and the second to collaborative works. the works produced in collaboration with the école des beaux arts de toulon (toulon school of fine arts) are exhibited in a third area of the center.

orchard

the exhibition features an orchard of marionette like tree beings hanging from the ceiling. helping to create a mythical ambiance, these sculptures represent the relationship between the tree, which offers the fruit and the person who picks them. frozen images symbolize a symbiosis between the natural and artificial.

additionally, a tasting room allows guest to try olive oil from vessels designed especially for this occasion. there are also smaller vessels for individual tasting. these household carafes are made only of glass. 

‘l’échapée verte’ or ‘green escapade’, 2010 olive oil tasting glass blown glass 8 x 6 cm in diameter image courtesy gandy gallery

‘l’échapée verte’ or ‘green escapade’, 2010