Vive la mariée !

L'Institut du Monde Arabe

To explore this pivotal moment that is marriage in the Maghreb, discover an exceptional selection of costumes and jewelry never before shown in France, set in dialogue with the creations of 27 contemporary artists from the Maghreb and its diasporas, who cast their subjective gaze on this important moment in social and intimate life. Marriage is a pivotal moment in the intimate and social life of women and men around the world. In the Maghreb, this event is celebrated with great pomp, as it is an occasion to come together as a community around a collective joy. Indeed, one of the words for marriage is farah, "joy" in Arabic. To discover: costumes and jewelry never shown in France The exhibition is organized around heritage works and will present a selection of about forty costumes and pieces of jewelry never before shown in France, from Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian collections. These exceptional pieces, dating from the 19th to the 20th century, celebrate the bride and the women around her while highlighting national and regional specificities, the richness of heritages, and the practices shared notably between Muslims and Jews. The evolution of costume, the persistence and specificity of rituals, symbolism and protective functions are among the subjects addressed. Placing the bride at the heart of the subject, but also the role of women during these celebrations — from the preparation of the trousseau to the making of the pieces or the accompaniment of the bride — the exhibition also seeks to bring these heritage works into dialogue with the perspectives of artists, thereby highlighting contemporary societal continuities or changes. Giving voice to 27 contemporary artists In order to capture the essence of these celebrations in all their diversity, the exhibition, mirroring these rare and exceptional collections, gives voice to twenty-seven contemporary artists, mostly women, from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and their diasporas, who cast their subjective gaze on this important moment in social and intimate life, guiding us through the codified stages of marriage and helping us understand what these ritual celebrations say today about the societies that practice them. The exhibition Vive la mariée !, organized at the IMA as part of the Saison Méditerranée implemented by the Institut Français, explores marriage as a constantly evolving social ritual. Some artists celebrate traditions and the moments of collective joy that these celebrations allow, while questioning the legacy of these traditions and their survival. Others put certain marriage practices in perspective with the societies that practice them and the ideologies they convey. Combining heritage objects, artistic creations, archives, and an immersive scenography to highlight the material and immaterial dimensions (dances, music, costumes, food…) of this cultural heritage, the exhibition will be accompanied by a rich program of cultural events and outreach activities, inaugurated by a grand parade under the artistic direction of Mohamed Bourouissa, the festive procession "Raconte-moi ton mariage." MORE INFORMATION ON THE FESTIVE PROCESSION "RACONTE-MOI TON MARIAGE"

Source: Paris Open Data ↗