Bricologie at Villa Arson Explores Technique and Bricolage in Art

The exhibition 'Bricologie' at Villa Arson in Nice challenges the traditional hierarchy between virtuosity and bricolage, finished objects and simple gestures. Curated by Théodora Domenech, the show presents a thematic exploration of technique in artistic practice, rejecting the reduction of art to mere idea. A labyrinthine structure breaks hierarchical effects, placing works alongside objects from archaeological museums, art and history museums, and popular arts and traditions, as well as a bird's nest and contemporary jewelry. The exhibition includes iconic modern works like Marcel Duchamp's 'Porte, 11 rue Larey, 1927' and Robert Filliou's 'Briquolage I', alongside contemporary pieces such as Simon Starling's 'Work, Made-ready, Kunsthalle Bern' and Mika Rottenberg's video installation 'Squeeze'. Emerging artists like Guillaume Gouérou, Arnaud Vasseux, Sofia Hultén, and Jean-Marie Perdrix are also featured. The show questions whether art alone can produce discourse distinct from function or ornament, suggesting that once functional and ornamental purposes are neutralized by exhibition, any object can 'speak' like an artwork. The exhibition itself is described as 'bricolé', connecting abundant literary references and objects of uneven quality, leaving the viewer to ponder what parameters give an object meaning.