Harald Szeemann's 'Aubes' at Maison de Victor Hugo: Romantic Affinities Across Centuries
From October 11, 2002, to January 19, 2003, 'Aubes – Rêveries au bord de Victor Hugo' is curated by Harald Szeemann at the Maison de Victor Hugo in Paris. This exhibition showcases Hugo's drawings alongside 20th-century pieces, focusing on connections rather than direct influences. The title is derived from Hugo's drawing 'Aube,' which inspired André Breton to name his daughter Aube. A wallpaper reproduction of 'Ville au bord d'un lac' is featured. Szeemann emphasizes the interactions between Hugo and artists such as Louis Soutter, Hans Bellmer, and Sigmar Polke, with notable combinations like Soutter's drawings paired with Polke's photographs. The second floor incorporates works into preserved apartments, creating a cabinet of curiosities centered on themes like landscape, capital punishment, and domestic spaces.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Aubes – Rêveries au bord de Victor Hugo' runs from October 11, 2002, to January 19, 2003.
- Curated by Harald Szeemann at Maison de Victor Hugo, Place des Vosges, Paris.
- Juxtaposes Victor Hugo's drawings with 20th-century artworks.
- Title refers to Hugo's drawing 'Aube,' given to André Breton, who named his daughter Aube.
- Hugo's drawing 'Ville au bord d'un lac' is reproduced as wallpaper on the first floor.
- Artists featured include Louis Soutter, Hans Bellmer, Sigmar Polke, Arnold Odermatt, Lucinda Devlin, Gunther Brus, Annette Messager, Christian Boltanski, and Joseph Cornell.
- A miniature house of Hugo's children is compared to Marcel Duchamp's 'Boîte en valise.'
- Second floor integrates works into Hugo's preserved apartments, including Messager's cushions and Boltanski's shadow theater.
- Szeemann previously organized exhibitions of Hugo's drawings.
- Exhibition explores affinities rather than direct influences.
Entities
Artists
- Harald Szeemann
- Victor Hugo
- André Breton
- Louis Soutter
- Hans Bellmer
- Sigmar Polke
- Arnold Odermatt
- Lucinda Devlin
- Gunther Brus
- Annette Messager
- Christian Boltanski
- Joseph Cornell
- Marcel Duchamp
- Richard Leydier
Institutions
- Maison de Victor Hugo
- Biennale de Lyon
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Place des Vosges
Sources
- artpress —