Solo Show “aβeˈʎat” Le Cairn, France

Apian’s solo show Abelhat [aβeˈʎat] – meaning “inhabited hive” in the local language, Occitan – envisions the possible future of beekeeping, blending traditional knowledge with science fiction.

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Side Note

Installation view of Abelhat [aβeˈʎat] at Le Cairn, foyer d’art contemporain, Digne-les-Bains, France.

Inspired by a scene from Denis Villeneuve’s film Blade Runner 2049, the exhibition blurs the lines between the remnants of traditional Provençal beekeeping and the archaeological excavation of electronic beekeeping. As the culmination of Apian’s year-long residency at the Cairn, the show is built upon longterm ethnographic fieldwork on beekeeping traditions in the region surrounding Digne-les-Bains, much of which was undertaken together with Nicolas Césard. Additionally, as part of the exhibition, futuristic hives – towards which we are quickly advancing – are imagined in the form of a new collaborative artwork with the Swiss artist collective Fragmentin.

Many thanks to Nicolas Césard, Fragmentin, Charles Garcin, Sandra Cattini, Clarissa Fornara (PH), and Ellen Lapper. With support provided by Pro Helvetia.

Abelhat [aβeˈʎat] is on view at Le Cairn, foyer d’art contemporain, Digne-les-Bains, France, from 6th July – 3rd November 2024, with guided tours in French available.
Opening 5th July 2024.
For more information, click here.

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Side Note

Installation view of Abelhat [aβeˈʎat] at Le Cairn, foyer d’art contemporain, Digne-les-Bains, France.