The next big summer exhibition of the Grimaldi Forum will be dedicated to the work and imagination of Christian Louboutin, shoe designer and key figure in the fashion world, who has drawn many inspirations from the Principality.
Christian Louboutin, L’Exhibition, redesigned by its curator, Olivier Gabet, (Director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs), will offer the public a unique perspective, after a first exhibition at the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris in 2020.
The scenography in Monaco will cover 2,000 square metres and will unveil unpublished works linked to the creator’s Monegasque inspirations as well as new collaborations, including an exceptional project being developed with the British visual artist Allen Jones.
“Far from a classic retrospective, the exhibition has been conceived as a joyful odyssey through three decades of teeming creativity, imbued with curiosity for all cultures and all the arts. At the heart of the exhibition, the “Imaginary Museum” room will bring together objects from Christian Louboutin’s personal pantheon and heritage and artistic works borrowed from public and private collections, part of which will come from Monegasque museum collections,” the Grimaldi Forum said.
The exhibition will explore various themes that cross the work of the creator such as his love of dance and the heritage of the Ballets Russes, his passion for African art and Asia, the Pop influence of Warhol, the photographic genius of ‘Helmut Newton and his fascination with the oceanographic universe.
While shoes will be in the spotlight, with a selection of exceptional pieces including some unique models, the designer above all wanted to pay tribute to those who inspire him and make him dream. The exhibition will present exclusive collaborations by Christian Louboutin such as the stained glass windows produced by the Maison du Vitrail, a Sevillian silver palanquin and a sculpted theatre in Bhutan.
Visitors will also be able to discover different projects with artists such as the photographs of the director David Lynch, the video work of Lisa Reihana, the leather sculptures of the English designers Whitaker Malem, the choreographies of Blanca Li, the work of the plastic artist Imran Qureshi, as well as an immersive space dedicated to the sculptor and painter Allen Jones created especially with him for this exhibition.
“With this subject, unprecedented in its programming, the Grimaldi Forum offers a celebration of art through the eyes of a contemporary creator, wise and joyful, of Christian Louboutin,” the Grimaldi Forum said.
PHOTO: ©Jean-Vincent-Simonet ORIGINAL SOURCE: Grimaldi Forum
