Veuve Clicquot and Magnum Photos illuminate Milan with 'Emotions of the Sun'

Veuve Clicquot's photographic ode to optimism

2024-04-10

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Trent Parke
Trent Parke

Veuve Clicquot and Magnum Photos have unveiled a new chapter in their cultural journey with "Emotions of the Sun," a traveling photographic exhibition that spotlights the sun as a universal symbol of joy and optimism. Set against the backdrop of Milan Design Week 2024, this collaboration marries the radiant legacy of La Maison's Solaire Culture with the legendary photographic agency's creative vision, offering a nuanced exploration of the sun's emotive power through the lenses of eight international photographers.

Since its foundation over 250 years ago, Maison Veuve Clicquot has been a beacon of optimism and joy, inspired by Madame Clicquot's free spirit and visionary mindset. The brand's iconic yellow, a hue as vibrant as the sun itself, symbolizes this ethos, embodying a promise of endless possibilities. Following the success of the "Solaire Culture" exhibition, which made waves in Tokyo, Los Angeles, and London, Veuve Clicquot embarks on a new cultural endeavor in partnership with Magnum Photos, a collaboration that marks a milestone in the champagne house's storied history.

Lindokuhle Sobekwa
Lindokuhle Sobekwa

"Emotions of the Sun" is more than just an exhibition; it's a sensory journey that captures the sun's myriad influences on our lives. Hosted in the picturesque Garden Senato Milano, the event extends an invitation to experience the Maison's vibrant world, complete with a thematic restaurant and boutique that echo the iconic Veuve Clicquot color palette. The culinary highlight, a tasting menu titled "Sun on Your Plate," promises an inspiring culinary experience that celebrates the onset of summer with dishes crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and rising gastronomic talents.

At the heart of the exhibition are 40 prints, each offering a personal and unfiltered glimpse into the photographers' relationships with the sun. This diverse collection, curated by French photography curator Pauline Vermare, showcases works by four women and four men photographers, including Steve McCurry, Alex Webb, Trent Parke, Olivia Arthur, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Cristina de Middel, Nanna Heitmann, and Newsha Tavakolian. Spread across five continents, their photographs are a testament to the universal and deeply personal nature of our connection with the sun.

Each photograph tells its own story of joy, serenity, hope, and renewal. Cristina de Middel's images are infused with a sense of pure joy and lightness, while Olivia Arthur's tender snapshots recall the serene summers of childhood. Newsha Tavakolian views the sun as a calming, nurturing force, her work narrating stories of hope and female empowerment. Meanwhile, Lindokuhle Sobekwa celebrates the everyday miracles illuminated by the sun, and Nanna Heitmann's dramatic series pays homage to the sun as the source of all life, a force that binds us together.

Alex Webb
Alex Webb

Jean-Marc Gallot, President of Maison Veuve Clicquot, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the exhibition's role in reaffirming the brand's commitment to culture and conveying a message of optimism to the global community. "Emotions of the Sun" is not just an exhibition; it's a celebration of life, light, and the endless possibilities that the future holds.

As Milan Design Week 2024 unfolds, "Emotions of the Sun" promises to be a beacon of creativity and hope, inviting visitors to explore the emotional landscapes shaped by our closest star. This collaboration between Veuve Clicquot and Magnum Photos is a reminder of the power of art to connect, inspire, and illuminate our world.

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