Bertrand Lavier's Sound and Light Spectacle at Domaine Pommery
From September 14, 2009, to March 30, 2010, Bertrand Lavier converted the chalk cellars at Domaine Pommery in Reims into a series of twelve immersive sound and light installations. Given the opportunity to curate the space independently, Lavier crafted audiovisual experiences featuring common items such as the French flag and the Auchan logo. The exhibition commenced with "Varèse/Calder," prompting discussions on the nature of artistic authorship. Musicologist Peter Szendy curated the audio elements, while designer Gérald Karlikow handled the lighting. Notable features included plastic palm trees emitting unsettling sounds and an early Pommery bottle alongside the first recorded human voice. Lavier's work challenged the distinction between art and entertainment, encouraging reflection on this divide. Catherine Francblin reviewed the exhibition in art press no. 361 (November 2009).
Key facts
- Bertrand Lavier created twelve sound and light installations in the crayères of Domaine Pommery in Reims.
- The exhibition ran from September 14, 2009, to March 30, 2010.
- Lavier was invited to take over the space alone, not as part of a group show.
- The show opened with Varèse/Calder (1985), pairing a Calder stabile with Varèse's music.
- Musicologist Peter Szendy selected the sounds, and Gérald Karlikow designed the lighting.
- Objects included the French flag, the Cannes red carpet, and an Auchan sign.
- One installation featured plastic palm trees with light coils and an insect-like sound.
- Another featured an early Pommery bottle with the first recorded human voice.
- Lavier described the project as a sound-and-light show in the spirit of his childhood.
- Catherine Francblin reviewed the exhibition for art press no. 361 (November 2009).
Entities
Artists
- Bertrand Lavier
- Alexander Calder
- Edgard Varèse
- Catherine Francblin
Institutions
- Domaine Pommery
- art press
Locations
- Reims
- France
Sources
- artpress —