To the Moon via the Beach: An Experimental Exhibition in Arles
In July 2012, 'To the Moon via the Beach' was curated by Philippe Parreno and Liam Gillick at the Arènes d'Arles from the 5th to the 8th. This Roman amphitheater was transformed into a vibrant venue featuring installations, performances, concerts, and projections. A total of twenty artists, such as Daniel Buren, Fischli & Weiss, and Rirkrit Tiravanija, participated in the event, while sand sculptors, under the direction of Wilfried Stijger, crafted a lunar-themed landscape. The exhibition prioritized the creative process over completed works, showcasing evolving pieces like Pierre Huyghe's 'Colony Collapse' and Anri Sala's 'Moon Flower.' Curators included Tom Eccles, Hans Ulrich Obrist, and Beatrix Ruf, and it wrapped up with a bonfire by Douglas Gordon. Mouna Mekouar reviewed the exhibition in artpress, highlighting themes of memory and the interplay between studio and exhibition spaces.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'To the Moon via the Beach' took place 5–8 July 2012 at Arènes d'Arles.
- Curated by Philippe Parreno and Liam Gillick.
- Twenty artists participated, including Daniel Buren, Fischli & Weiss, Douglas Gordon, Pierre Huyghe, and Rirkrit Tiravanija.
- A team of sand sculptors led by Wilfried Stijger transformed a pile of sand into a lunar landscape.
- Pierre Huyghe's 'Colony Collapse' featured a man with a bee swarm on his face.
- Anri Sala's 'Moon Flower' involved musicians repeating a score daily.
- Lawrence Weiner inscribed phrases on ellipse-shaped plaques scattered across Arles.
- Elvire Bonduelle distributed metallic umbrellas made from survival blankets.
- The exhibition concluded with a bonfire by Douglas Gordon.
- Curators also included Tom Eccles, Hans Ulrich Obrist, and Beatrix Ruf.
- Mouna Mekouar wrote an analysis for artpress.
Entities
Artists
- Philippe Parreno
- Liam Gillick
- Daniel Buren
- Fischli & Weiss
- Douglas Gordon
- Pierre Huyghe
- Rirkrit Tiravanija
- Anri Sala
- Lawrence Weiner
- Elvire Bonduelle
- Lili Reynaud-Dewar
- Oscar Murillo
- Uri Aran
- Loretta Fahrenholz
- Jef Geys
- Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster
- Ari Benjamin Meyers
- Tristan Bera
- Klara Lidén
- Renata Lucas
- Benoît Maire
- Pilvi Takala
- Tris Vonna-Michell
- Wilfried Stijger
- Mouna Mekouar
Institutions
- Arènes d'Arles
- Palais de Tokyo
- artpress
Locations
- Arles
- France
Sources
- artpress —