3. Le bestiaire by Ionna Vautrin

Opening reception

Free

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 PM
Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sponsors

This event is presented as part of Boston Design Week. This event is made possible thanks in part to the Mosaïque Cultural Fund and Jean-François and Nathalie Ducrest.

BOSTON_DESIGN_WEEK_2016_LOGOTYPE-01 MosaiqueCharter1Web_Logo Rose-Noir ss Fund
The exhibition is co-presented with the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) in New York. It is part of Oui Design, a program initiated by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the US, with the support of Institut français-Paris, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, FACE Foundation and the Florence Gould Foundation.

Cultural-Services-US-WEB logo pngINSTITUT FRANCAIS 2016Logo_FACE_Foundation-WEB

Spotlight on Design

In April, we're putting the spotlight on design​ as we welcome French designers and architects who have been expanding their practices beyond the expected. Whether devising a zoo of imaginary animals, orchestrating an interactive festival of contemporary art or building structures that challenge notions of private and public space, our featured events give a glimpse into French design today.

Call for Artists

CallforArtists-Image

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.

Related Events

Workshop

Le bestiaire by Ionna Vautrin: Workshop for Kids

Imaginations run wild as children create animal costumes

Saturday, April 9, 2016 2:30 PM To 3:30 PM

Children create their own animal costumes inspired by French designer Ionna Vautrin's Le bestiaire exhibition.

Read More
Lecture

Living Architecture with Elodie Nourrigat

Creating connections through Public art

Thursday, April 7, 2016 At 7:00 PM

Award-winning French architect and co-founder of the Festival des Architectures Vives (Festival of Living Architecture), Elodie Nourrigat shares her strategies and experiences connecting the people of Montpellier with contemporary installations and the city's rich architectural heritage.

Read More

Upcoming Events

Exhibition

French Eyes on Boston

portraits and landscapes by Marguerite Wibaux

From Jan 25, 2019 To Feb 28, 2019

The Center is proud to host the show French Eyes on Boston, a collection of portraits and landscapes painted by Marguerite Wibaux. The opening reception will be held on January 25 at 7:00 PM. RSVP required.

Read More
Exhibition

Autour du Monde Francophone

Member Photo Exhibit of the Francophonie

From Mar 1, 2019 To Mar 31, 2019

Show us the Francophone world through your eyes! Submit your favorite travel photo of the French-speaking world for display during Francophonie month this March.

Read More
Cooking Workshop

Eat Well, Live Well, in French!

Cooking and Wellness Workshop for Women

Friday, January 18, 2019 11:00 AM To 1:30 PM

Is living healthy at the top of your 2019 resolutions? Join physician and Certified Health and Wellness Coach Martine Vounatsos for an informed discussion and cooking workshop.

Read More
See All