Foliacæ
Julie Knaebel
Having the shape, the appearance of a leaf,
Being of the nature of leaves,
When referring to rock, divided into layers,
In this exhibition, leaves, leaves that come from trees, leaves that come from leaves, flying papers, layers, transparencies, circles, colors. Colors that exist because of chlorophyll and anthocyanin, but mainly through the leaves that capture carbon dioxide and bear fruit in berries we pick with our fingers at the end of summer, transparencies that overlap, and insect work that draws the skeleton of the veins. Tree leaves and paper leaves, the ambiguity of working with paper that comes from plants, eucalyptus fields or chemical, water-consuming twists, hemp prepared as swaddling cloth, water that is as essential to these plants as to the making of paper or inks. Leaves. Fragile leaves. Ambiguous leaves, sheets, and layers. Layers that overlap and speak to the nature of leaves, to the nature of shades.
Julie Knaebel’s practice unfolds through various mediums, including publishing, drawing, and installation. Her latest research focuses on the links between contemporary art and the environment. Through her approach to paper and writing, she questions our relationships with living beings, our modes of perception, and our ways of making art. She is interested in natural phenomena, the minute, the ephemeral, and disappearance.
Julie Knaebel presents an exhibition of her works in the library’s lobby as part of the “Rendez-vous décalés,” held in the libraries of Thouaré-sur-Loire, Mauves-sur-Loire, and Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire, with this year’s theme being paper.
Simultaneously, supported by the Frac, the artist is conducting workshops in several elementary school classes in Thouaré-sur-Loire, offering hands-on practice and an introduction to contemporary art.