L’Absence is a sculpture that fits into the architectural constraints of the site. The result is a moving and living mass, with multiple protuberances, as the incarnations of an instinctive gesture, without any delimitation or any function. A living space where the artist wishes discussions will happen. L’Absence is in turn a bar, a sculpture, a comment on today’s architecture that will, without a doubt, fuel students’ imagination.
Founded in 1995 by Joep Van Lisehout, AVL is a multidisciplinary company known for its contemporary art, design and architectural projects. Functional, simple, often imposing, their works often take the shape of furnitures, prefabricated houses, sculptures or renovation of architectural monuments. Based in the port of Rotterdam, a team of 20 people is in charge of the production of the pieces (from conceptualization to the construction). Giving priority to an independent and autonomous lifestyle for each and everyone, they often look into the conflict between individuality and collective, sexuality, power and utopia.
L’Absence overlooks the Loire and interacts with the surrounding architectural environment. Next to the rectilinear lines of ensa, the fine arts school, the sculpture looks like a moving, living mass, with multiple protrusions. This blue landmark is habitable: the artist has created a place to live and have discussions, an ideal spot for a drink by the Loire.
WORK CREATED FOR ESTUAIRE 2009 AS PART OF THE PUBLIC COMMISSION FROM THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION – DRAC DES PAYS DE LA LOIRE (1% ARTISTIC OF ENSA NANTES).
Parvis de l'ENSA (École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture) 44200 Nantes
How to get there?
Parking(s) nearby: Parking CHU 1, Parking CHU 2, Parking Gloriette 2, Parking Gloriette 1, Parking Les Machines
Public transport: République, Gaston Veil, Gare de l'État
Self-service bicycles: Station Naolib Vélo libre-service École d'architecture (n°77), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Quai moncousu (n°39), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service République (n°46), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Palais de justice (n°44), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Prairie au duc (n°45), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Félix éboué (n°37)
Monday to Saturday 12.15 to 22.00 (Saturdays open depending on weather conditions)
Closed from 21/12/24 to 05/01/25, public holidays and bank holidays
Obra visual.
Explanatory video in French sign language and French subtitles available online.
