Motifs d'artistes: Musée de la Toile de Jouy exhibition plunges us into the history of design

Look around you: every seat, every garment, every canvas bag you see is the work of different artists and craftsmen. All these patterns, fabrics and colors are the fruit of history, choices and small revolutions in the world of fashion. The Musée de la Toile de Jouy tells the story of textile design, in a new exhibition on view from June 16, 2023 to January 14, 2024.

From the 18th century to the present day, the professions of textile designer and artist have evolved considerably. The Motifs d'artistes exhibition revisits this short history of fashion, through a chronological and thematic tour divided into six fascinating chapters. Clothing, accessories, tapestries, textile samples: several works are brought together to illustrate the different periods evoked, and the great designers highlighted in this exhibition.

Yes, some designers can be as famous as couturiers! William Morris, Raoul Dufy, Sonia Delaunay, Jean-Baptiste Huet, Sonia Rykiel, Koloman Moser...Textile art has its own celebrities. Not to mention the artists who have been attracted to this very special medium. Picasso, Xavier de Poret, Keith Haring... From the canvas of a painting to that of a garment, there's only one step, and many have taken it!

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Motifs d'artistes looks at designers, their place and the recognition they receive in the world of art and fashion. But also the importance of design and textiles through the centuries. During the Renaissance, only the rich and powerful could afford an artist's work. The noblest fabrics were used. Little by little, over the centuries, and above all with technological advances, the art of design evolved. Large-scale manufacturing erased the special status of artists, before they reclaimed their art and their name.

Great designers of yesterday and today, singular or popularized art, original fashions and motifs: the exhibition at the Musée de la Toile de Jouy offers a fascinating overview of this very special art. Don't miss this exhibition!