Carapaces et Sortilèges, the exhibition in Paris Jardin des Plantes

Published by · Published on September 18th, 2019 at 03:17 p.m.
The “Carapaces et Sortilèges” exhibition in Paris Jardin des Plantes is the occasion to see sculptures by François Chapelain-Midy displayed for the first time in Paris. From October 3, 2019 to January 6, 2020, 30 surprising sculptures of insects will be included into the Museum d’Histoire Naturelle greenhouses to discover the artist’s bestiary and universe. Discover this gallery of evolution in another universe!

From October 3, 2019 to January 6, 2020 the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle invites you to dream with the “Carapaces et Sortilèges” [Carapaces and Spells] exhibition. We have 30 animal sculptures by François Chapelain-Midy scattered around the four greenhouses which give a new approach of science that gets lost, here, between insect anatomic observation and surrealism.

Trained at the prestigious Boulle school, François Chapelain-Midy (1937-2007) was very versatile: plastic artist, taxidermist, as well as creator of mineral bases and “primitive” art, he specializes in bronze sculpting. He mainly represents insects in all shapes and sizes. With a very anatomical point of view, some of his works seem yet coming straight out of another universe or a science-fiction book.

Carapaces et Sortilèges au Muséum d'Histoire NaturelleCarapaces et Sortilèges au Muséum d'Histoire NaturelleCarapaces et Sortilèges au Muséum d'Histoire NaturelleCarapaces et Sortilèges au Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle

Chapelain-Midy’s nature and insect creations are often fragmented, enlarged, contracted, their roles and places in the public’s look change, insects – often repellent – are now elevated and are simply beautiful.

“Man takes himself for a superior being, he needs to be put in his place” François Chapelain-Midy said. And it’s a success. When we’re in front of a 2.50m insect, we can be nothing but impressed! We’re fascinated by the subject represented and the artist’s remarkable work.

This exhibition aptly named “Carapaces et Sortilèges” is a declaration of love to nature and its inhabitants, the smallest ones and the most repellent ones. So, let yourself be charmed by insects and enjoy this bestiary of another world yet so close to ours!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From October 3rd, 2019 to January 6th, 2020

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    Location

    57 Rue Cuvier
    75005 Paris 5

    Access
    57 rue Cuvier Metro, RER: Line 5 Gare d'Austerlitz, Line 7 Censier Daubenton, Line 10 Jussieu or Gare d'Austerlitz, RER C Gare d'Austerlitz Train: Gare d'Austerlitz and Gare de Lyon

    Prices
    Tarif Réduit: €5
    Plein Tarif: €7

    Official website
    www.mnhn.fr

    Booking
    www.mnhn.fr
    01 40 79 56 01
    resamuseum@mnhn.fr

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