Latifa Echakhch's 'The Mechanical Garden' at Villa Sauber explores Monaco's artificial allure

From April 20 to October 28, 2018, Villa Sauber, part of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, hosted Latifa Echakhch's exhibition titled 'The Mechanical Garden.' The Moroccan-French artist created theatrical environments across two floors, utilizing plywood panels to illustrate romantic landscapes and classical ruins, drawing inspiration from Alphonse Visconti's set designs. A mechanical theme emerged through videos showcasing nineteenth-century automata from the museum's collection, a gift from Madame de Galéa in 1972. Each video contrasted an original automaton with its electric version, featuring performances such as Pierrot composing a letter. The exhibition critiqued Monaco's curated romantic image, while the concluding room's paintings questioned idyllic perceptions. Villa Sauber was a significant source of inspiration.