Studio Adrien Gardère

For the first edition of Revelations, the first international Biennale of contemporary art celebrating excellence in craftsmanship, Atelier d’Art de France asked the Studio Adrien Gardère to design the scenography and concept. This Biennale offers the chance for professionals to take their place in the emblematic site of the nave of the Grand Palais, offering them international exposure.

A must-see economic and cultural event for the French and international fine crafts professions. The fair hosts more than 400 exhibitors: creating craftsmen, designers, art galleries, art manufactures, craft factories, associations, fine crafts organizations… With their unique and limited edition pieces of art, they will show to more than 45,000 visitors, the best of the world’s contemporary fine crafts professions.

The idea around the general scenography for the Revelations show starts, first and foremost, from a desire to break from the traditional logic and aesthetics of professional trade fairs. The aim of the project is to proffer the event with a spirit, a visual identity and an architecture that is particular to Revelations, so that each and every exhibitor feels an integral part of the same story, whatever his or her renown, influence or the surface he or she occupies within the show. All participants are placed on an equal footing, revealing the link that reunites them all: the command of exceptional know-how.

Materialized by natural wood and openwork facades, an avenue will form the central aisle, along which large monumental tables which host an exhibition of spectacular objects. It is the image of the “banquet” that inspired this central installation, featuring the diversity of the know-how. It refers to the French tradition of the royal tables from which a large part of the crafts come.

A large patio will overlook the entire show, offering a panoramic view and providing an area for encounters, an agora, where visitors and exhibitors will be offered the opportunity to exchange and discuss ideas.