Yves Saint Laurent’s Marrakech Exhibition Shines with Cacti and Floral Brilliance
With a global count surpassing 1,700 cactus species, the “CACTUS” exhibition seeks to illuminate their extraordinary diversity through various artistic mediums. Among the exhibits are aged specimens like the “Pachycereus Pecten-Aboriginum” cacti from late 19th to early 20th-century collections in Mexico. Beyond physical specimens, the showcase encompasses artworks, including prints dyed with cactus extract. The gallery seamlessly melds historical pieces like Bernard Boutet De Monvel’s 1920 oil on canvas with contemporary creations like David Hockney’s 2010 cactus ‘iPad Drawing.’
Marc Jeanson, a botanist at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and co-curator of the exhibition, elucidates its purpose. The curated collection spans centuries, featuring diverse works from European and Moroccan artists. Jeanson highlights the intention to establish a dialogue between the natural and cultural realms, tracing the historical presentation of herbariums, architectural forms of cacti, and the inspiration derived by artists.
Cacti and succulent plants, characterized by thorny, velvety, or fleshy structures, have captivated people globally for centuries, transcending geographical boundaries. The Majorelle Garden, renowned for its extensive cactus collection, becomes a backdrop for exploring the symbiotic relationship between art and nature. With over sixty cactus species, the garden serves as a botanical treasure trove on the African continent, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art and the natural world.
The exhibition transcends mere botanical exploration, delving into the rich iconographic, ornamental, and ethnological history of cacti and succulent plants. At a time when the world grapples with climate change and increasing water shortages, the cactus, known for its resilience, becomes a focal point. Jeanson notes that amidst water stress, the exhibition exemplifies remarkable creativity, diverse shapes, and vivid colors within the cactus world.
The celebration of the natural world extends beyond cacti at the museum. The concurrent “Les Fleurs d’Yves Saint Laurent” exhibition presents haute couture designs inspired by flowers, coexisting with poetry. Forty garments, adorned with floral motifs in embroidery, print, and applique, offer a visually enchanting exploration of the shared passion for nature between Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, the label’s co-founder.
Alexis Sornin, director of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech, discusses the identifiable floral motifs, including roses and lilies, juxtaposed with imaginative designs. The impact of nature on the brand is evident across jewelry to evening wear, drawing parallels between clothing and writing.
Visitors resonate with the poetic association as Martine, a French tourist, expresses joy in connecting the words, representations, and the visual spectacle of the collections, clothes, and embroidery. “CACTUS” runs until July 7, offering a profound exploration of the art-nature dynamic, while “Les Fleurs d’Yves Saint Laurent” will enchant visitors until January 5, 2025.
