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The theme underlying the choice of the works composing this exhibition is inspired by Voyage sentimental through France and Italy, written by Laurence Sterne, in which one of the chapters is set in Amiens. In this novel, the 18th century British author visits France and Italy with open-mindedness. He observes and tells us with empathy about customs and morals unfamiliar to him.
The word “sentimental” has two main meanings: the first is indeed about this particular state of mind of the curious traveler who loves the country he’s visiting, and who’s greatly indulgent. The second is about the man in love, haunted by an affair he left behind him, but as the same time receptive to the sensuality coming from the women he meets during his trip. Thus, the whole book is wrapped into a sensual atmosphere.
Therefore we can wonder if the sentimental personality (as understood in the 18th century) is compatible with modern creation. Can we find an echo of it in the 25-year old collection?
Of course, the aim isn’t to stick to the text, but from it, to try and find a climate by gathering modern works, which will also keep their first meaning.
Works echoing major themes of the sentimental journey (travels, meeting new people, landscapes, sensuality, feeling a marching world) are put together side by side. Proximity then gives rise to over-lapping, connivances, capillary contaminations… We could say – to keep the spirit of the text – skin light touches.
We’re supposed to accept that intuition has the edge over demonstration and to adhere to shifts in meaning (allowed by the implicit but possible polysemy of any accomplished work).
If undertaken alone, the journey, by tearing us away from our vicissitudes can make us become aware of our own situation in front of others, nature, landscapes, or even the march of history and of the universe. This is why, in this exhibition star course will be a major theme.

Hubert Besacier

(Initiated by Platform, Regional Funds for Contemporary Arts network, Collections d’automne has been made possible by works exchanges between Fracs. It gives birth to more than 50 exhibitions and events nationwide, confirming the idea that works and collections study is endless and always renewed thanks to exchanged looks.)
Voyage Sentimental 1 is part of the exhibition Collections d’automne/ Regional Funds for Contemporary Arts panorama organized by Platform.