Ben’s Eccentric Universe: ‘On Est Tous Fous’ Exhibition at the Museum
In a bold move that blurs the lines between the conventional and the avant-garde, the museum has handed carte blanche to the enigmatic artist, Ben. For an entire year, Ben has transformed over 500 square meters of the museum, typically dedicated to naive, raw, and singular art, into a captivating exploration of life as art.
The exhibition, aptly titled “On Est Tous Fous” (We Are All Mad), weaves together the narratives of over 200 of Ben’s own works, more than 150 pieces from his personal collection, and select artworks from the original collection of Anatole and Renée Jakovsky. Anatole and Renée Jakovsky’s collection laid the foundation for the museum in 1982, and over the years, it has evolved into a rich tapestry of nearly 3000 items through donations, bequests, gifts, and acquisitions.
Ben, known for his playful approach to art and life, sees the exhibition as not just a display of creations but as a meeting ground for his art and the public. “I assume that every artist has a touch of madness that they would like to exhibit but dare not,” says Ben, setting the tone for what promises to be an unconventional artistic experience.
From the moment visitors step into the museum, there’s an immediate sense of freedom and creativity. No introductory labels or conventional explanations at the entrance. Instead, Ben, in his signature cursive handwriting, inscribes a phrase that stands out among the plethora of words – a reflection of his creative genius and occasional interactions with amused and astonished museum-goers.
The installation process, spanning less than three months, was a dynamic journey. Some of the artworks were created on-site, and the entire process was marked by meticulous arrangements using furniture personally selected by Ben. The result is an immersive experience that takes visitors through a succession of moments, ranging from Ben’s “small ideas” to “new writings,” encompassing “sculptures,” “photography,” “time,” and “death.”
Wandering through the exhibition, visitors encounter a small living room, a bedroom with a dressing room, a bathtub, a foosball table, and various tables and chairs designed to foster conversation. A projection corner, a debating stage, and a soundtrack by Erik Satie add layers to the experience. Even the staircase is not spared, transformed by Ben into what he whimsically dubs the “psychiatric staircase.”
Venturing into the gardens and terrace, visitors discover works from Ben’s private collection that delve into the themes of madness and art. A specially designated “ring” awaits, ready to host performances that blend seamlessly into the eccentric universe created by Ben.
But “On Est Tous Fous” is not just about static displays. It is a living, breathing exhibition that comes alive throughout the year with a diverse program of events. From film screenings and unexpected encounters to performances and philosophical evenings, guests are invited to engage with the exhibition on multiple levels. The villa and its gardens become canvases for artists and thinkers alike.
The exhibition receives support from La Poste, adding another layer of uniqueness. La Poste will issue a commemorative stamp for the occasion and provide a dedicated mail art space within the museum throughout the exhibition.
In essence, “On Est Tous Fous” is not just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to explore the boundaries of art, sanity, and the delightful madness that resides within us all. Ben’s eccentric universe beckons, and visitors are encouraged to dive in, participate, and experience the fusion of life and art in its most peculiar and fundamental forms.