"Souvenirs From Capri"

For the exhibition 'Souvenirs from Capri', I drew inspiration from the enduring beauty, layered heritage, and quiet magic of the Italian island of Capri—a place I have returned to several times, both professionally and privately. Each visit left a lasting impression, one that continues to resurface with vivid clarity. With eyes closed, I found myself transported to the era of Slim Aarons—a world of effortless glamour, sunlit elegance, and la dolce vita, where life unfolds with a certain graceful indulgence on a most captivating island.

This sensibility guided the exhibition. My long-standing affection for Italian ceramics and a certain unapologetic exuberance in style became central elements in shaping the narrative. I transformed the gallery into a poetic evocation of Capri—a place where visitors were invited to drift, if only briefly, into the sun-drenched atmosphere of the 1960s.

Among the objects presented by Maison de la Folie, were works of art, ceramics, furniture, lighting adorned with bespoke lampshades, jewellery, and a multitude of carefully curated pieces—each contributing to the layered narrative of the exhibition and in true Maison de la Folie aesthetic. For the exhibition, over 150 kilograms of fresh lemons, each lemon meticulously stamped with the Maison de la Folie insignia, were introduced into the scènography—both as a sensory element and as a subtle gesture to accompany visitors. Offered as a parting token, these sunlit fruits required no explanation; their presence alone became a quiet yet memorable highlight of the experience.

Among other highlights were a rare vintage cocktail boat bar by Umberto Mascagni for Barget London, a striking rattan motorcycle by Tom Dixon, a serene beach-like setting with white sand and framed by lemons, presenting an exquisite pair of mid century Italian rattan sun loungers. A refined selection of Italian ceramics further anchored the exhibition, each piece contributing to a layered and evocative composition that celebrated both memory and imagination. But the true pièce de résistance was a grand 1950's Vallauris Mermaid fountain, filled for the occasion with lemons ;-), in a mesmerizing blue lava ceramic—an exquisite and singular work, both sculptural and captivating in its presence.

During this exposition, I had the pleasure of being in the company of Cécile Defforey, who presented a selection from her 'Cowboys' series—cut-out gouaches on paper that carried both strength and playfulness. Their presence resonated effortlessly within the Capri scenography, thoughtfully conceived by Maison de la Folie, where textures, colours, and forms came together in a harmonious and evocative dialogue.

Throughout the course of the exhibition, a series of both private and public events were thoughtfully organised, offering visitors a more immersive encounter with the atmosphere and spirit of the show—moments designed to deepen the experience beyond the visual.

'Souvenirs from Capri' was on view from 12 September until 5 October 2024 at Arthus Gallery, where it unfolded as a gentle invitation to travel to a world suspended between memory, place, and imagination.

'Souvenirs from Capri' the making off: