Luma Foundation in Arles: Thriving 20 Years Later
Maja Hoffman, the Swiss mega collector, patron, and pharmaceutical heir, established Luma Foundation twenty years ago to support and produce projects by some of the world’s biggest artists. In 2013, Luma Foundation expanded into Luma Arles, a campus in the French city that now boasts a spiralling tower designed by Frank Gehry, resembling the brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh.
Luma Arles aims to address crucial issues such as human rights, showcasing boundary-pushing, multi-faceted, and socially engaged projects. One notable exhibition is William Kentridge’s “Je n’attends plus (I Am Not Waiting Any Longer)”, accompanying his new opera “The Great Yes, The Great No”. This exhibition brings avant-garde artists and figures from the past to life through cardboard masks and intricate sets.
Kentridge’s work is part of a series of twelve shows at Luma Arles, including a career-spanning retrospective of Judy Chicago’s work and Rikrit Tiravajina’s participatory installation. Additionally, Theaster Gates presents “La chant du centre”, transforming La Grande Halle into a ceramics studio to engage the local community.
The projects at Luma Arles convey themes of migration, oppression, and utopia, resonating with current political landscapes. The diverse range of exhibitions, installations, and initiatives aims to activate the region and promote social impact through art. With a focus on experimentation and community engagement, Luma Arles continues to push boundaries and inspire creativity in the art world.
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Leonie Schultz completed her studies in Digital Media and Design at the Berlin University of the Arts. She focuses on digital installations and interactive art, often incorporating elements of sound and light to create immersive experiences. Leonie has been involved in several digital art festivals and is known for her innovative approach to storytelling through technology.