“Léger Défilé” at the National Fernand Léger Museum, Biot

Léger Défilé!

An exhibition linked to the museum’s collections

from February 24 to May 26, 2024.

This winter, the museum adorns itself with its finest attire, presenting original costume pieces directly inspired by the work of Fernand Léger. Oversized coats with graphic and figurative compositions, headdresses and ceremonial masks borrowed from African cosmogony and jazz spirit, shirts and capes with geometric and abstract patterns will compose this flamboyant haute-couture parade. Resulting from the skills and research of students from the DN MADE program, the textile pieces, their sketches, and preparatory models will offer a unique dialogue with a selection of paintings and drawings by Fernand Léger from the museum’s collection, all sharing the common theme of reinventing the language of lines and colors.

This transition from the painter’s canvas to fabric enveloping the bodies will also highlight Fernand Léger’s artistic contribution to the performing arts, particularly in the creation of stage sets and costumes, such as “La Création du monde,” Léger’s avant-garde masterpiece created in 1923 for the Ballets Suédois. The exhibition will culminate in a public parade featuring new creations on Saturday, May 18, 2024, as part of the European Night of Museums.

The DN MADE Mention SPECTACLE – Costume Design specialization aims to bridge artistic and technical approaches, creating a connection between the past and the present. Students explore contemporary creation and historical reconstruction, studying technical, sociological, dramaturgical, and aesthetic aspects of costume design from conception to realization. The program emphasizes technical skill, aiming to develop creativity and innovation. Acquired skills apply to textiles, materials, and cuts intended for stage costume production.”