Lucas Erin's 'La Ronde' at MCBA Lausanne: Garden as Living Archive of Colonial Histories

From 28 August 2026 to 14 February 2027, the Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts Lausanne (MCBA) will showcase 'La Ronde', an exhibition by Lucas Erin, a Franco-Caribbean artist. Developed in both Martinique and Erin’s studio in Lausanne, this exhibition reimagines the garden as a space to delve into colonial narratives, material exchanges, and evolving connections among people, locations, and time. Drawing inspiration from his Martinican roots, Erin employs installation, sculpture, and sound to reflect on land and plant life. The title 'La Ronde' evokes memories of morning strolls through his grandmother's garden, prompting reflections on the rhythms of vegetation and the complex histories of exploitation and colonialism. His works, including 'Lyannaj', 'Ti Gout', 'Ti Biten', and 'Île aux fleurs', investigate the dynamics of movement and exchange between places and individuals, while materials like bronze petals, burnt sand, and found objects embody these intertwined histories. Throughout the exhibition, materials exhibit fluidity, transforming and creating new relationships. This presentation at MCBA emphasizes Erin’s ability to connect personal memories with broader historical contexts.