SoCultures October 2018
He proved a true visionary, embracing the values of excellence and unyielding
professionalism, which have always defined Louis Vuitton. His building is a
veritable masterpiece and is itself the subject of the exhibition on the ground floor
of the Foundation, designed especially for the opening by Frédéric Migayrouto
offer insights into this remarkable work.
This exhibit inspires an enriching dialogue with the retrospective of Frank Gehry’s
work currently taking place, with our encouragement, at the Centre Pompidou in
Paris. Frank Gehry’s building is in fact the first artistic statement by the
Foundation, initiating an approach to artistic creativity that debuts with the public
opening and will progressively affirm its vocation.
The Foundation will devote itself above all to evolving trends in art and to
contemporary creation. At the same time, it will propose a sense of historical
perspective, notably vis-à-vis20th century modern art. This will allow visitors to
become more familiar with and approach newer creations. Indeed, looking at the
past may be the best way to become more receptive to the most unexpected ideas.
The Foundation Louis Vuitton invites us to see works and creations that have been
collected or commissioned for their relevance to specific preferences and clearly
expressed approaches.
Throughout autumn 2014 and in subsequent months, the Foundation will propose a
diverse array of activities:
— The permanent collection, comprising works belonging to the Foundation or
from my personal collection, will be displayed to emphasize the main identifying
lines in a continuum from modern art to contemporary creativity. The collection
will make a distinctive impression on visitors centered on a fundamental criterion,
namely the ability to convey distinct viewpoints, whether transient or enduring,
through individual works of art.
— Temporary exhibitions will be organized in conjunction with other public and
private institutions, as well as private collections, with direct participation by the
artists themselves.
— The Foundation will also welcome music, beginning with an inaugural
performance by pianist Lang Lang and continuing with pioneering electronic band
Kraftwerk in the Auditorium, a true jewel-box where canvases commissioned from
Ellsworth Kelly are hung. Tarek Atoui and Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster have
been invited as well for performances in other spaces in the building. The modular
design of Auditorium makes this an ideal venue for novel experiences and artistic
encounters. The Foundation will of course welcome young audiences, as LVMH
has done for years through our educational programs.
For the opening exhibition, the Foundation