SAINT-DENIS.- The "Venus" exhibition by artist Prune Nourry opened today at Musée d'art et d'histoire Paul-Eluard, showcasing her ongoing exploration of female representation through the lens of sculpture and material. The project, stemming from a commission for the Grand Paris Express's Saint-Denis – Pleyel station, features eight interpretations of Paleolithic Venuses, intended to be combined with varied earth tones to create 108 unique sculptures for the station's atrium.


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Nourry's research, including collaborations with archaeological experts like Catherine Schwab, informed the creation of these initial sculptures. The final installation incorporates soil gathered through a collaborative project with women's associations in Saint-Denis, titled "La Terre qui m’est Chair."

A parallel project, inspired by the Maison des femmes de Saint-Denis, involves sculptures modeled after eight women from the association, reflecting the Gravettian style. These creations are informed by personal narratives shared during the artistic process.

To provide historical context, the exhibition includes molds from the Grand Palais-Rmn molding workshop, tracing the representation of women in sculpture from the Paleolithic era to the 19th century. This chronological display aims to connect historical depictions with contemporary female experiences.

Nourry, a 2006 graduate of École Boulle, is known for her interdisciplinary approach, incorporating sculpture, installation, and performance. Her work often addresses ethical concerns related to societal balance, demographic shifts, and environmental issues.

Her artistic process involves extensive research, drawing from disciplines such as anthropology and archaeology. She collaborates with specialists and artisans, utilizing earth as a primary medium.

In 2024, Nourry co-founded the Catharsis Arts Foundation with Claude Grunitzky, focusing on amplifying the voices of underrepresented women through collaborative sculpture projects. The "Venus" exhibition presents a continuation of Nourry's exploration into the symbolism of earth and the representation of women across different historical and social contexts.



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