Valentine Schlegel's Ceramic Fireplaces Celebrated in Hélène Bertin's CAC Brétigny Exhibition

Hélène Bertin curated an exhibition at CAC Brétigny in 2017 titled "Cette femme pourrait dormir au bord de l'eau," dedicated to the work of ceramicist Valentine Schlegel. The show transformed the gallery into a living space, featuring Schlegel's sculptural fireplaces, vases, and functional objects. Bertin arranged Schlegel's collection of knives high on the wall like a school of fish. The exhibition included elements such as tea cups, fire tongs, seating, Occitan music, and regional pies (tielles), creating an immersive environment. Bertin's own sculptures-supports, organic and raw forms with natural patinas, complemented Schlegel's work. Bertin discovered Schlegel's practice while researching for a book, drawn to Schlegel's independent lifestyle and Mediterranean influences, which she traces to the region rather than Bauhaus. The exhibition aimed to show how Schlegel's energy extends from the hearth into the home. Bertin's book on Schlegel documents this integration of art and life.