Ali Cherri's 'The Watchers' at [mac] Marseille
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Marseille ([mac]) showcases 'Ali Cherri, The Watchers,' which features the iconic sculptures 'The Gatekeepers Fire and Water,' acquired in 2024. Cherri has curated approximately 80 pieces from the museum's collections to complement his own sculptures, drawings, and videos. The exhibition's immersive design eschews conventional categorizations, presenting artworks on illuminated tables without accompanying descriptions. A voice-over by Jean Negroni, who narrated the anti-colonial film essay 'Les statues meurent aussi' (1949–1953), enhances the experience. Created for Manifesta 13 in 2020, 'The Gatekeepers' reflect Cherri's exploration of themes such as sleep, vulnerability, and the power dynamics surrounding cultural artifacts. The exhibition is currently on display at [mac].
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Ali Cherri, The Watchers' at [mac] – Museum of Contemporary Art of Marseille
- Centered on totemic sculptures 'The Gatekeepers Fire and Water' acquired in 2024 by Museums of Marseille
- Cherri selected around 80 works from Marseille's museum collections spanning antiquity to contemporary
- Scenography avoids traditional classifications by geography or period
- Voice-over by Jean Negroni from 'Les statues meurent aussi' (1949–1953) by Resnais, Marker, Cloquet
- 'The Gatekeepers' were created for Manifesta 13 in Marseille in 2020
- Works displayed without descriptions of origin or authenticity
- Cherri uses objects from auctions and antique dealers, including forgeries
Entities
Artists
- Ali Cherri
- Alain Resnais
- Chris Marker
- Ghislain Cloquet
- Jean Negroni
Institutions
- [mac] – Museum of Contemporary Art of Marseille
- Museums of Marseille
- Museum of Fine Art in Marseille
- Natural History Museum of Marseille
- Palais Longchamp
- Manifesta 13
- Galerie Imane Farès
Locations
- Marseille
- France
- Palais Longchamp