CACTUS, Nouveau Musée National, Monaco, 2025

Simple forms, fractal figures, muted, dull or vibrant colours, prickly, downy, bristly or waxy sheaths, fleshy, velvety organs, extravagant architectures – cacti and succulents have been a source of fascination for centuries. The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, in collaboration with the Musée YVES SAINT LAURENT Marrakech, which initiated the project in 2024, is today dedicating an exhibition to them, seen from both a botanical and artistic perspective. [...]
The unique aesthetic of cacti engaged the attention of many artists, particularly in the early 20th century, and especially during the interwar period. Their sometimes unusual originality made cacti and other succulents suggestive and inspiring motifs for architects, photographers, designers, artists, creators and filmmakers, who filled their visual worlds with their iconic forms. Few plant families have inspired so many artistic interpretations. This exhibition offers a broad overview, bringing together works as varied as an Eisenstein film, a Gufram coat stand, and a drawing created by David Hockney on an iPad! More than 200 works are brought together for the occasion: botanical treasures, archives, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, installations, film extracts and design objects…