Exhibition explores resistance and hope

The exhibition « Semons nos résistances » at the MAIF Social Club in Paris examines the capacity to unite despite political, ecological, and social exhaustion. Running until July 24, it features works by fifteen artists that invite visitors to consider new forms of resistance and foster hope.

Curators highlight power of collective action

Curators AnneSophie Bérard and Florent Héridel explain that the exhibition honors the power of the seed to transform personal beliefs into collective victories. The exhibition, developed with the studio Brunoir, is designed as a philosophical journey through darkness, into a clearing, and toward new horizons.

Exhibition opens in a somber atmosphere

The exhibition begins in darkness with a grey and suffocating setting. Artist Nicolas Daubanes poses the question "Who is responsible for the responsible?" on a white wall using magnetized iron filings. This echoes the closing narrative of Alain Resnais's film Nuit et Brouillard and critiques the opacity of modern political systems.

Art reflects isolation and resistance

Nearby, hyperrealistic figures by Mark Jenkins, heads down under hoods, represent isolation and a system that perpetuates division. François Réau's large drawing, made with a lead pencil above gathered forest wood, engages with the ideas of philosopher Gilles Deleuze, stating "Every act of creation is an act of resistance."

Works inspire moving beyond despair

The second section of the exhibition showcases works that encourage moving past despair. Artist Célia Cassaï's installation Sous les pavés, la terre Mai 68 includes blocks of wax representing paving stones containing fragments of vegetation. On the wall, hands holding seeds (Récoltes) suggest that careful attention to life can nurture resistance.

Art highlights celebration and disobedience

Photos by Cha Gonzalez, mirroring clichés from club nights and demonstrations, remind viewers that disobedience can also be expressed through celebration. Zoé Saudrais's fabric banners, inspired by British trade union traditions, use offbeat slogans to appropriate political news.

Exhibition transitions to a hopeful space

The third section of the exhibition opens onto a large, open space resembling a clearing. Artist Julie Chaffort's video installation Printemps features two individuals on fire wandering before embracing, filmed in 2020 during lockdown. The installation is noted for its relevance to current times.

Art emphasizes connection and shared words

In the center of the space, artist Basserode's Table of Letters invites visitors to sit and share words, highlighting the power of writing to change the world. Nearby, artist Marie-Claire Messouma Manianbien's tapestry Cure and Care combines textiles, ceramics, salmon leather, and semi-precious stones.

Exhibition highlights community voices

The association Hasnya from the collective Banlieues Climat presents The view of my mother, a device featuring a Fiat Panda with audio testimonies from mothers in popular neighborhoods. Soraya Kaboul, vice-president of the association, notes that it was the first time people came to ask questions and showed interest.

Exhibition concludes with themes of connection

At the end of the tour, the exhibition affirms the need to transform society sustainably through calm and joy. Artist Tiphaine Calmettes proposes À l'ombre des acanthes, a shelter sculpted in ash, ceramic, and wicker, offering a space for rest and shared words. Marinella Senatore's festive neon sculptures We rise by lifting others and Protest Bike illuminate the space.

Exhibition closes with messages of unity

The murals of Agrume, La perspective des échassiers and Ériger la vie qui vient, the support that connects us, close the visit and remind the importance of connection to shape the future.