From Apr 6, 2016 To May 3, 2016 Add to Calendar 2016-04-06 00:00:00 2016-05-03 00:00:00 Le bestiaire by Ionna Vautrin 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. The French Cultural Center, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, Massachusetts, United States America/New_York true
At The French Cultural Center Get Directions
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

Un Mois, Un Livre: Voyage autour de ma chambre de Xavier de Maistre
Online Literature Workshop
Join Clémence for our first UMUL of the year for an in-depth, online discussion of Voyage autour de ma chambre by Xavier de Maistre.
Read More
Seeking opportunities to speak French? Join us online for our popular members-only conversation gathering.
Read More
Mois de la Francophonie 2021: Virtual Launch Celebration
Mix and Mingle Virtually with Boston’s Francophone Institutions
Join us online as we celebrate the launch of this annual celebration of the French language and Francophone cultures with a special meet and greet including a number of Boston's Francophone institutions.
Read More