Regenerative Futures

The Fondation Thalie celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a series of exhibitions in Brussels and Arles that reflect its mission of supporting artists, preserving craftsmanship and placing ecology as a centre of research and innovation. One such exhibition is Regenerative Futures, an engaging exhibition that takes over the foundation and includes work by 37 artists. Curated by Nathalie Guiot and Brussels-based curator and author, Yann Chateigné Tytelman, Regenerative Futures highlights the results of four years of the Foundation’s ‘Createurs Urgence Climat’ programme and brings together creators and experts from different disciplines, along with works from the Foundation’s collection.

Nathalie Guiot, author, editor, curator and the founder of Fondation Thalie, describes Regenerative Futures as a “tipping point, a new era that brings together artistic experiences, ecological and philosophical stories, inviting debate and awakening our senses.” Each space is organised thematically and with a series of questions, such as: in the context of the climate crisis, what solutions can creators offer? or How, within the means of art and design, can we make scientific research visible? Featuring work by nearly 40 international artists, designers, architects, videographers, researchers, and even a florist, the exhibition is meant to foster dialogue between all disciplines and “create bridges between disciplines, hybrids in the fields of ecology, regenerative production, biotechnical experimentation and speculative science.” Themes include: ‘The Power of Recycling’, as seen in the work of Zimbabwean artist Moffat Takadiwa; ‘Facing up to the Disaster’, with works by Ali Kazma, Adelaïde Feriot, Claudia Comte and Noémie Sauve; ‘Reactivating the Links Between Living Beings,’ with works by Raphaël Emine, Natsuko Uchino, Otobong Nkanga and Buhlebezwe Siwani; ‘Green Intelligence’ which connects a constellation of works from the collection of the Foundation around the idea of plant philosophy, with research by artists and designers presenting their living works. Within this theme of ‘Green Intelligence includes sub-themes including: ‘Networks of Life’ with works by Latifa Echakhch, Michel Blazy, Jitish Kallat, Takehito Koganezawa, Solange Pessoa, Benoît Platéus, Hans Reichel, Rachel Selekman and Alina Szapocznikow; ‘Regenerative Design’ with work by Aléa (Miriam Josi & Stella Lee Prowse), Tony Jouanneau / Atelier Sumbiosis,  Marlene Huissoud, and Samuel Tomatis; and ‘Plant Image’ with a special installation by florist Thierry Boutemy. ‘More Thank Human Alliances’ poses the question: Why should art, design, music, and architecture be exclusively human privileges? And includes work by Tomas Saraceno, Isa Melsheimer and Jenna Sutela; ‘Living Matter’, which concludes the exhibition, brings up issues of care, transmission of repair and brings together work by Edith Dekyndt, Sidival Fila, Philippe Terrier Hermann, emmanuel boos and Marie-Ange Guilleminot.

To bring all of these elements together, the Fondation Thalie invited Brussels studio Bento Architecture to do the scenography. Their experimental design implements biosourced materials and ecological construction techniques to keep in theme with the exhibition. It is based on circular materials that can be returned to nature once the exhibition is concluded.

Regenerative Futures is on view at the Fondation Thalie in Brussels, from April 13-September 28th, 2024.