PARIS.- "Objects in Question: Archeology, Ethnology, Avant-Garde," a captivating new exhibition, illuminates the dynamic exchange between art and scientific inquiry during interwar France. Running from February 11 to June 22 at Musée du quai Branly, the exhibition delves into the intellectual ferment of the 1920s and 30s, a period when artists, archaeologists, and ethnologists challenged traditional boundaries and redefined the very concept of the "art object."


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"Objects in Question" showcases an array of artworks, archival materials, sketches, publications, and ephemera, offering a unique glimpse into the creative process of some of the 20th century's most influential figures. The exhibition highlights the pivotal role of avant-garde journals like Cahiers d'art, Minotaure, and Documents in fostering this interdisciplinary dialogue. These publications served as platforms for the exchange of ideas, juxtaposing images of ancient artifacts, modern masterpieces, and objects from non-Western cultures, thereby dismantling conventional art historical narratives.

At the heart of the exhibition lies the question: What constitutes an art object? The artists and intellectuals featured in "Objects in Question" grappled with this very question, challenging established classifications and exploring the inherent ambiguity of objects. The exhibition is structured around four thematic "constellations," each offering a distinct perspective on this central inquiry:

• Terrains (Fields): This section explores the concept of the "terrain" as a site of discovery, encompassing not only archaeological digs and ethnographic expeditions but also everyday spaces like museums, factories, and flea markets. It examines how artists, like Alberto Giacometti with his "Invisible Object," drew inspiration from found objects, imbuing them with new meaning and artistic significance.

• Fouilles (Excavations): Borrowing from the language of archeology, this section delves into the act of "excavating" – both literally and metaphorically. It examines how artists and thinkers sought to uncover hidden meanings and unconscious drives, much like archaeologists excavate layers of history to reveal the past. A key piece in this section is a Nimba mask from Guinea, which was featured in an article by Georges Henri Rivière in Cahiers d'Art, demonstrating the cross-pollination of ideas between different disciplines.

• Cadavres exquis (Exquisite Corpses): Inspired by the Surrealist game of chance, this section celebrates the power of unexpected juxtapositions. It showcases how artists embraced hybridity and challenged traditional classifications by combining disparate elements, echoing the eclectic mix of objects found in the era's journals.

• Double musée (Double Museum): This section delves into the debates surrounding museum practices during the interwar period. It explores the tension between presenting objects for public consumption and preserving them for scholarly research, raising fundamental questions about the nature of art and its role in society.

"Objects in Question" is not simply a historical survey; it's a timely exploration of how we define art and its relationship to culture. By bringing together diverse objects and perspectives, the exhibition encourages visitors to reconsider their own assumptions about art and its power to illuminate the human experience. The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive catalog featuring essays by leading scholars in the field, further enriching the exploration of this fascinating era. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the birth of a new artistic paradigm.



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