Contemporary exhibition at the summit of Peyroules: A Sensory Journey on our relationship with nature.

This summer, I had the immense pleasure of presenting my latest contemporary exhibition in a unique location: "VILLE" , the abandoned hamlet of Peyroules, perched at the top of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This project, carried out in collaboration with Adrien Chiapelli, an architect specializing in the rehabilitation of old buildings ( arcaé architect ), represented an exciting challenge. Indeed, the exhibition was held in the Saint-Pons church, a building listed as a historic monument. This is why we created a suspended exhibition, a space where art and architecture meet to question our relationship with the environment .

Eglise romane Saint-Pons de VILLE à Peyroules (04)

The Peyroules town hall provided invaluable support , facilitating the installation of the exhibition and organizing a memorable opening day. The day began with a guided tour of the hamlet by architect Xavier Boutin and historian Aymeric Lenne, followed by a captivating concert by the duo Laskaskas (Ania and Anna), who took us on a sensory journey through their singing and traditional instruments. To conclude this beautiful day, we shared a glass of friendship, officially marking the opening of the exhibition to the public.

Some photos of the opening, others will follow

The exhibition was held from August 8 to 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. , with workshops around art, nature and well-being to punctuate the experience (micro cranial massage, painting workshops, architectural observation sketches, etc.). We had the honor of welcoming many visitors, particularly in the morning and at the end of the day, surprised and sometimes moved by their visit . The courageous walkers were able to follow the marked path, decorated with plaster hands, symbolizing our first theme: that of the control of nature.

Under Control: Nature as a Resource

In the first space of the exhibition, entitled "Under Control," we wanted to question our tendency to dominate nature . The works presented explore how we see nature as an inexhaustible source of materials, energies, and profits . Through form, material, and gesture, I sought to illustrate the tension between appropriation and transformation.

These works are directly inspired by documentaries, podcasts, interviews and readings around ecopsychology and the human impact on its environment.

Contemplation: Nature as Spectacle

Upon entering the second space, entitled "Contemplation," visitors are invited to suspend time. Here, nature becomes a subject of wonder and silence . Through my paintings, I have tried to capture this feeling of immensity and deep calm that one feels when faced with a landscape. For example, in one of my works, a panorama revealing mountains evokes the tranquility that overcomes us during a hike or even just by taking our mountain roads.

Taking the time to admire the beauty of landscapes has become rare. A Harvard University study showed that spending 30 minutes in nature increases productivity by 20%. This is also what forest bathing promotes, or how walking in the forest can be healing.

Harmony: Nature as Resilience

The final space, "Harmony," offered a serene vision of nature. Here, nature flourishes and invites reconciliation . This discourse on the resilience of nature is a call for peace, far from the power struggle that has often characterized our relationship with it. It is inspired by flowering, blossoming. Hands are always present to symbolize our connection both to nature and to each other .

Thanks to "Samson", this last space also opens the way to a new series focused on the connection to the myths and legends of the territory and the active search for "Stone Giants" in the Verdon.

"La Gardienne du Teillon" > Recherche plastique d'un élément vu dans la roche du Col des Portes lors de l'exposition.

A Sensory Journey

The exhibition was more than just a presentation. It offered a true sensory journey, where each space offered a unique experience. Visitors were able to immerse themselves in a world where art and nature unite, where each canvas tells a story and invites reflection.

Workshops held throughout the week helped deepen this connection. Participants explored their own creativity while reflecting on their connection with nature. It was a warm, shared experience, where everyone was able to express their vision of the environment through art.

Cercle de paroles animé par Manuela (La Cabane Enchantée)

Final Thoughts

This contemporary exhibition in Peyroules was an unforgettable artistic and personal adventure. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to its realization, from the Ulule contributors, our precious friends and family members who came to lend a hand with the installation, to the visitors who took the time to discover my works.

I hope this experience has raised awareness about our relationship with nature. As an artist, my goal is to provoke emotions and reflections. I am proud to have succeeded in doing so in this exceptional setting. The next events lead me to create the exhibition book, which I hope will be released in October!

Thank you to everyone who made this exhibition a memorable one. I look forward to sharing new creations and continuing to explore this beautiful connection between humans and nature!

See you soon

Auriane