The installation Un jardin d’Egypte brings together two subjects that are opposite in terms of content and message, but which share similar aspects in terms of visual composition: Marcel Broodthaers’ Un Jardin d’Hiver (1974) and the so-called Egyptian Room in the Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s summer residence during his exile on Elba. What they have in common is a small group of plants arranged in a circle. Broodthaers’ installation displays palm plants that represent a critical reflection on colonialism. The Villa San Martino room displays papyrus plants which represent a nostalgic and apologetic message referring to the Egyptian Campaign.
Papyrus or palms
That we sow
That grow
A garden in Egypt
?
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