Fondation Carmignac Opens on Porquerolles Island with 'Sea of Desire'

The Fondation Carmignac has opened on the island of Porquerolles, off the French Riviera, housed within a 15-hectare park designed by Louis Benech, the garden designer who renovated the Tuileries. The foundation limits entry to 50 visitors every half hour to ensure an intimate experience with art and nature. The inaugural exhibition, 'Sea of Desire,' features works from the Carmignac collection, including pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ed Ruscha, Bruce Nauman, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein, alongside emerging artists like Davide Monteleone and Shirin Neshat. The park includes site-specific installations by Nils-Udo, Jean Denant, Jeppe Hein, and Alexandre Farto (Vhils). Director Charles Carmignac, son of founder Édouard Carmignac, plans to expand the foundation with artist residencies—starting with Miquel Barceló—and new sculptures. He aims to incorporate live performance and music, reflecting his background in music and his agency Enigma. The foundation also runs educational workshops on biodiversity in collaboration with the national park. The exhibition runs until November 4, 2018.