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About this Exhibition
Imagined by French designer Ionna Vautrin, Le bestiaire is a collection of costumes that celebrates the animal kingdom, rousing the imaginations of young and old alike. For the occasion, French artists created their own imaginary zoo of abstract, unexpected and hyper realistic animals, from the very tame to the extremely wild.
When we dress up, regardless of whether we become beautiful or ugly, good or bad, marvelous or monstrous, everyone gets into character and is excused of all odd behavior, without being subject to ridicule. Many designers have explored the world of childhood through this lens, transforming everyday objects into art inspired by the zoological world.
These stunning costumes on exhibit are born out of the illustrative fantasies of an eclectic team comprising Studio Brichet Ziegler, Perrine Vigneron and Gilles Belley, Anne Lutz, Joachim Jirou-Najou, Felipe Ribon, Les Graphiquants, Twice, Helkarava, Malika Favre, Amélie Fontaine, Leslie David and Ionna Vautrin.
About Ionna Vautrin
Designer and artist Ionna Vautrin was born in France in 1979. She graduated from l'Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique in 2002. After receiving the Grand Prize in Creation from the city of Paris in 2011, Vautrin opened her own studio, and now collaborates with brands such as Foscarini, Moustache, Kvadrat, Christian Dior, Sancal, Super-ette, Lexon, Serralunga and more.
She describes her style as a meeting between industry and poetry, creating simple, yet surprising, everyday objects. Organic and geometric shapes, cheerful colors, and an intuitive and functional usage are all hallmarks of her work.
Find out more about the artist
Above (from left): Leo Parciparla © Helkarava, Coq Hardy © Perrine Vigneron and Gilles Belley, Perroquet Rouge © Amelie Fontaine, Yoio © Twice
Gallery Hours
Monday, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMTuesday through Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sponsors
Spotlight on Design
Call for Artists
Our art exhibition program showcases local and international artists whose work has a connection with French and Francophone culture.
Whether you draw your inspiration from an artistic movement, a specific artist, a subject or a technique, you can submit your work for an opportunity to present your art to the public in our elegant brownstone's gallery in the heart of Back Bay, for month-long exhibitions from September through June.
Artists and projects are selected by a committee of art professionals, artists and art connoisseurs who meet twice a year. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
To submit your work please refer to the Call for Artists in which you will find a detailed description of requirements and conditions.
Upcoming Events
Cake Decorating Class
GASTRONOMY & WINE PROGRAM: YOUR FRENCH CULINARY ARTS AND WINE JOURNEY
The French Library is delighted to present this cake decorating class from our Gastronomy & Wine program. This class is designed to teach methods, technique and best practices in cake decorating, while having a fun time in the kitchen.
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Join us in our Gallery for the next Wine Seminar, dedicated to the Champagne region of France. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, our series is tailored to provide a deeper understanding of French wines, refine your wine-tasting skills and vocabulary, and foster confidence in conversations, selections, and pairings. We will provide you with an authentic French perspective and access to a splendid array of quality wines.
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Learn all about our language immersion program in partnership with the Accent Français language school in France!
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