19 December 2023
The Fondation Opale in Lens recently inaugurated its new wing, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to culture and art. After two years of construction work, December 17 2023 was a day to celebrate not just the inauguration of the new wing, but also the Foundation's fifth anniversary, and the unveiling of the new exhibition HIGH FIVE!
The new exhibition opens to a backdrop of Aboriginal art taking centre stage at the Fondation Opale. Even the facade of the art centre now features Aboriginal artwork, underlining the Foundation's commitment to this unique and expressive art form. The Aboriginal art library and the new installations contribute to making the Foundation a place of cultural discoveries and encounters.
The new wing includes a library, auditorium, conference room and new storage areas. These improvements, costing some 12 million francs, have been financed by patron Bérengère Primat, the municipality of Lens, the Banque cantonale du Valais and the Loterie Romande, and they represent a major step forward in the reception and distribution of Aboriginal art in Europe. For 5 years, the Fondation Opale has been the only contemporary art centre dedicated to promoting Australian Aboriginal art in Europe. Through each exhibition, and thanks to its new wing, it plays a crucial role in highlighting Aboriginal art and promoting intercultural dialogue. It has thus positioned itself as a major cultural player not just in Switzerland, but also on the international contemporary art scene.
The new exhibition invites 26 Swiss cultural personalities to select a piece of Aboriginal artwork from the Foundation's collections, viewing it in parallel with an artwork of their choice. This cultural dialogue has been designed to reflect on identity and perception of the other, offering an unusual display and an enriching catalogue. Celebrities such as stylist Kevin Germanier, artists Sasha Huber and Namsa Leuba, actress Noémie Schmidt and neuroscientist Pierre Magistretti took part in this innovative initiative.
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