Junya Ishigami: Freeing Architecture

From March 30 to June 10, 2018, the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain presents Freeing Architecture, the first major solo exhibition devoted to the work of Junya Ishigami. An important and singular figure of Japan’s young architecture scene, Ishigami is the creator of a conceptual and poetic body of work in which the landscape occupies an important place. For the exhibition Freeing Architecture, conceived specifically for the Fondation Cartier, Ishigami reveals twenty of his architectural projects in Asia and in Europe. These projects will be presented through a series of large-scale models, accompanied by films and drawings, which document their different stages of conception and construction. In dialogue with Jean Nouvel’s iconic building, this exhibition-event is also the first large-scale monograph that the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain has devoted to an architect.

Nomadic Nights and Nights of Uncertainty

Ha! Ha! – Nomadic Night #1 with choreographer Maguy Marin
Monday, April 9, 7pm and 9:45pm

Nomadic Night

Hilarity at the end of a meal. Like a chamber orchestra, seven performers sit in front of their scores and music stands… Ha! Ha! is a masterful display of respiratory, vocal, and cynical acrobatics.

Freeing Architecture, masterclass by Junya Ishigami followed by a visit of the exhibition in the presence of the architect
Thursday, April 12, 7pm

Night of Uncertainty

In partnership with the École Spéciale d’Architecture and the École Camondo, school of interior architecture and design

A major figure on the young Japanese architectural scene, Junya Ishigami is considered one of the most talented architects of his generation. His presence in Paris for the exposition Freeing Architecture is a rare opportunity to hear him discuss his conceptual and poetic vision of architecture. 

7–8pm: Masterclass by Junya Ishigami at the École Spéciale d’Architecture (254-266, bd Raspail 75014 Paris)
8–9:30pm: Visit of the exhibition Freeing Architecture at the Fondation Cartier (261, bd Raspail 75014 Paris)

The Night of Junya Ishigami
Friday, April 13, 8.30pm

Night of Uncertainty

A veritable ode to liberty, the exhibition Freeing Architecture demonstrates Junya Ishigami’s remarkable ability to develop his practice beyond the frontiers of savoir-faire and architectural thought. The poetic dimension of his designs is based as much on experimentation as it is on theory, know-how, and technology. Philosophers, architects, engineers, and thinkers come together around Junya Ishigami to explore his universe.

Singspiele – Nomadic Night #2 with choreographer Maguy Marin
Monday, April 23, 7pm and 9:30pm

Nomadic Night

Alone on stage, David Mambouch embodies a multitude of characters. He adds an item of clothing, removes an accessory, makes a gesture, manages to change identity, posture, and gender. What mysteries are hidden behind this constellation of sensations and memories generated by our contact with another? Singspiele is a journey across specific stories and epochs, transmitted by a range of facial expressions and bodies in movement.

The Night of the Cloud, hosted by Cédric Villani
Friday, June 1, 7pm, in the garden of the Fondation Cartier

Night of Uncertainty

In 2014, Junya Ishigami imagined the House of Peace for the city of Copenhagen, an immense building in the shape of a cloud resting on the water, designed as a symbol of peace. The cloud is a recurring motif in the architect’s work. It is the starting point for this Night of Uncertainty that brings together artists, scientists, and philosophers in a discussion led by Cédric Villani. 

The Imperfect Sea, Penguin Cafe + guests
Saturday, June 2, 8:30pm, in the garden of the Fondation Cartier

Nomadic Night

Concert, first French date

As part of their world tour, the multi-instrumentalist collective Penguin Cafe set up their ukuleles and prepared pianos in the garden of the Fondation Cartier. The orchestra, of variable dimensions and members—that notably performs with musicians of Suede, Gorillaz or Razorlight—combines classical music and pop culture, allowing a joyous and vibrant fusion of different genres, ranging from folk to electro.