Laure Prouvost: Mère We Sea

The Museums of Marseille continue to invite leading international artists to create new works closely connected to the history and architecture of the chapel at the Centre de la Vieille Charité.

Laure Prouvost presents a monumental installation conceived as a nurturing, fertile presence. The work also evokes the memories of those who have inhabited and brought life to this space and the Panier neighbourhood over the past three centuries. Dreamlike and infused with underwater influences and aquatic reflections, the installation invites public participation.

This exhibition features a previously unseen sculptural work, specifically designed for the chapel of the Vieille Charité. The installation incorporates audio testimonies from local residents and children’s voices, recorded in collaboration with the Marseille Conservatoire.

In connection with this project, from May 2025, the [mac] Museum of Contemporary Art of Marseille screens Laure Prouvost’s film “They Parlaient Idéale” in the [mac]room. Originally created for the French Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale as part of “Deep See Blue Surrounding You / VoisCe Bleu Profond Te Fondre”, the film is now part of the city’s municipal collection and will be on view from 17 May 2025 to 11 January 2026.