Agnès Varda Transforms Film Reels into Architectural Installation at Galerie Nathalie Obadia
At 90 years old, Agnès Varda showcases her third exhibition at Galerie Nathalie Obadia in Paris, named UNE CABANE DE CINÉMA: La serre du Bonheur, which is open from 14 April to 31 May 2018. As the first female filmmaker to earn an honorary lifetime-achievement Oscar, Varda has been gathering outdated 35mm film reels since 2006 for her architectural projects. The entrance displays Arche de cinéma (2018), constructed from 156 rusted film containers marked with her own works and those of her late spouse, Jacques Demy. The central feature, a metal greenhouse, is adorned with translucent strips from her 1965 film Le Bonheur, which delves into polyamory, and includes artificial potted flowers reminiscent of the film's sunflower field. ArtReview comments that the exhibition feels disconnected.
Key facts
- Agnès Varda is the first female director to receive an honorary lifetime-achievement Oscar.
- The exhibition is at Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Paris, from 14 April to 31 May 2018.
- Varda has been repurposing obsolete 35mm film reels into architectures since 2006.
- Arche de cinéma (2018) is made from 156 empty rusted reel containers.
- The main structure is covered with strips from Varda's 1965 film Le Bonheur.
- Le Bonheur earned Varda the Jury Grand Prix at the 15th Berlin International Film Festival.
- The film stars Jean-Claude Drouot and his real-life spouse.
- Varda told France Culture she wanted to revive the utopian vibe of the 1960s.
Entities
Artists
- Agnès Varda
- Jacques Demy
- Jean-Claude Drouot
- Édouard Manet
- Violaine Boutet De Monvel
Institutions
- Galerie Nathalie Obadia
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- Berlin International Film Festival
- France Culture
- ArtReview
Locations
- Paris
- France