The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is currently presenting a compelling dossier exhibition titled "Guénaëlle de Carbonnières: Dans le creux des images" (In the Hollow of Images). This focused showcase will remain on view through February 1, 2026, in the museum's Cabinet des Dessins, Papiers peints et Photographies. For the first time, the exhibition spotlights work conceived specifically from the museum's extensive photographic collections. The presentation marks a significant collaboration between the institution and the contemporary artist-photographer, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience heritage materials transformed through a modern artistic lens.
Guénaëlle de Carbonnières, an established artist-photographer known for her sensitive approach to architectural memory and cultural heritage, spent a residency at the museum developing this body of work. During her time at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, she produced more than thirty new pieces that directly respond to the museum's archival photographs. Her process involved deep research into the collection, selecting images that spoke to her interest in the passage of time and the physical decay of photographic materials. The resulting works demonstrate a profound dialogue between past and present, as Carbonnières breathes new life into forgotten or damaged archival images through her innovative techniques.
The artist's methodology centers on experimental glassmaking processes that fundamentally alter the nature of the photographic image. Carbonnières encapsulates existing photographs within layers of glass, creating physical depth and a sense of preservation simultaneously. She also fuses multiple negative plates together, merging different moments in time into single compositions. These techniques require extensive technical skill and a deep understanding of both photography and glass art. The fusion process creates unpredictable results, as the heat and chemical reactions produce unique textures and distortions that further emphasize the fragility of the original materials.
A central theme running throughout the exhibition is the delicate nature of photographic materials and their inevitable deterioration over time. Carbonnières raises important questions about preservation, memory, and the archival impulse that drives museums and collectors. Her work acknowledges that photographs, whether on paper or glass, are subject to physical decay, fading, and damage. Rather than simply restoring these images, she incorporates their deterioration into the artistic process, using the marks of time as creative elements. This perspective invites viewers to consider how we value and preserve visual history.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, located at 107 Rue de Rivoli in the heart of Paris, provides an ideal context for this exploration. The institution's vast collections span centuries of decorative arts, and its photographic holdings include numerous images documenting architecture, design, and material culture. By giving Carbonnières access to these resources and supporting her residency, the museum demonstrates a commitment to contemporary artistic engagement with historical collections. Visitors interested in learning more can contact the museum at 33 (0)1 44 55 59 34 or visit the exhibition website at https://madparis.fr/exposition-guenaelle-de-carbonnieres.
This exhibition represents an important contribution to contemporary conversations about the role of archives in artistic practice. Carbonnières's work challenges traditional boundaries between photography, sculpture, and conservation, creating a new visual language that speaks to our complex relationship with the past. As the February 2026 closing date approaches, the exhibition continues to attract visitors interested in innovative approaches to photographic art and heritage preservation. The project serves as a model for how museums can support contemporary artists while simultaneously reactivating their own collections.
