40mcube
48, avenue Sergent Maginot
35000 Rennes

The exhibition INGENIUM is thought of as a workshop of curiosities. It integrates shapes inspired by existing scientific objects as well as invented shapes making a search for specific objects necessary. Along the lines of a curiosity cabinet, everything is integrated into the exhibition : the objects, the moulds in which they were created, the steps of their transportation and presentation displayed around the room rendering visible both the intellectual and the concrete aspects of the manufacturing process.

In this way, Linda is a metal structure (300x100x250 cm) whose inspiration comes as much from the zoomorphic style of ancient Egyptian sarcophagi as from microarchitecture present in the Giotto’s series of frescoes about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Purified, this structure becomes a content within a content, a supporting idea for retrieved objects. One can find pre-existing objects within the sculpture, such as a skydome, as well as manufactured forms : a terracotta hemisphere, slat blinds, a wooden wall on which washed out shapes appear, traces of bygone objects. This structure allows for a modular presentation. It can remain closed with the objects inside, on top, on the walls or unfurled, as is the case for this exhibit. Each element is displayed in the space to permit the visitor to put together the puzzle of this art piece.

The first of the two other primary sculptures is a practical element, a chair with a hollow spot where the public can sit and whose shape is inspired by a 19th century hearing apparatus. The other shape, leaning against a wall, is none other than the mold of the first sculpture, which becomes in and of itself a media presentation of a computer showing the text of Laetitia Paviani made for the artist: an invitation to enter into the work of Emmanuelle Lainé through mythology.

These sculptures are manufactured using different techniques and with materials as diverse as metal, paper mâché, resin, polygel and velvet…in other words, industrial and domestic material. The effects of this material bring an aspect of design to the sculptures while the older subject matter maintains a certain symbolicism. Noting the idea of utilitarian objects in the pieces, one can observe the primitive ergonomics of her works. Several of her sculptures contain anthropomorphic shapes such as the case mold of a paper mâché leg.

The display and the setting of these different parts around the space creates a kind of fictional universe nestled into history, science and archaeology, that the public can use to read between the lines and extrapolate upon.

Emmanuelle Lainé benefited from Triangle France’s residency program.
Emmanuelle Lainé is represented by the Triple V gallery.

Photo: André Morin.