Artivism in Bordeaux at the Manpaï center

a la une, Arts

founder of Artivism Awards Alexandra Mas celebrating Rebecca Sørensen (an American living in Bordeaux), Victoria Tasch (based in Milwaukee), and Celia Gouveiac (of Brazilian origin, also residing in Bordeaux), the three winers of the first Artivism event in Bordeaux. Here with Jean Bercy, the director of the Manpaï center, and art by Tori Tasch.

Artivism Biennale in Bordeaux: A Harmony of Art and Self-Development

In 2019, artist Alexandra Mas launched Artivism, a dynamic exhibition platform, with notable events in Venice, Berlin, and New York co organized with SHIM art network and HOHENTHAL UND BERGEN. Now, this innovative movement has taken root in her hometown of Bordeaux. The Artivism Biennale made its debut at the Manpaï Center, a hub known for its commitment to self-development, offering a variety of activities such as sports, meditation, and massage. With the belief that personal growth cannot be separated from the arts, Manpaï also strives to serve as a gallery space, making the collaboration with Artivism a natural fit.

The theme of the first Artivism Biennale in Bordeaux was Serenity, and it showcased works from 19 international artists like Sarah Elisabeth Olson, Annette Werndl, Thiery Bayne, Christopher Lavenair, Anton Laiko and Fasnibay, just to name some, drawing hundreds of visitors over the course of its six-month run. A public vote determined the standout artists of the group exhibition, with three remarkable women emerging as winners: Rebecca Sørensen (an American living in Bordeaux), Victoria Tasch (based in Milwaukee), and the jury choice was Celia Gouveiac (of Brazilian origin, also residing in Bordeaux).

in order of the art pieces : Sarah Olson, Celia Gouveiac, Alexandra Mas, Annette Werndl, Hanna Mare, Francois Pohl Lefevre, Cristopher Lavenair, Tori Tasch

in order of the art pieces : Sarah Olson, Celia Gouveiac, Alexandra Mas, Annette Werndl, Hanna Mare, François Pohu Lefèvre, Cristopher Lavenair, Tori Tasch

What stood out was how the public’s choices perfectly aligned with Manapi’s core values. Victoria Tasch’s contribution, for instance, focused on sustainability and the environment. She brought her handmade paper, created from invasive plants and stone, which she transformed into a insectarium like installation at the gallery. Her work, depicting the migration patterns of butterflies and dragonflies among other insects and flowers, will be on display until March 16, 2025.

Tori Tasch is an American artist specializing in printmaking, papermaking, and the creation of artist books. For seven years, she supported artists as a resident mentor at RedLine Milwaukee, while also teaching in the public school system (15 years) and at St. Bruno’s parochial school (10 years). Additionally, Tasch has been an artist-in-residence at the Lynden Sculpture Garden, StayHome, Artsplace, and the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art. These residencies allow her to combine her need for studio work with her commitment to community engagement. Tori holds a BFA from Carroll University and has extensive experience in teaching, exhibiting, and receiving numerous awards. Her sculptural books have been widely exhibited in the United States, as well as in Japan, Mexico, France, and Canada. Her works are part of private collections, including the Brooklyn Art Library, the special collections of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the Saitama Museum of Art. A former president of the Wisconsin Visual Artists and the Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art, Tasch continues to serve on the boards of both organizations. She is also a resident artist at Studio 224, a community printmaking studio located in Port Washington, Wisconsin, where she focuses on papermaking and exploring printmaking techniques.

Tori Tasch presented by Artivism in Bordeaux

Disappearing Butterflies by Tori Tasch

Cyanotype and printing techniques on stone paper, unique piece

101,5 x 76cm

visit Manpaï at 73 avenue Lucien Faure, 33300 Bordeaux

Monday to Friday – 10 am to 9 pm and by appointment

Tori Tasch at Manpaï, on October 17th 2024 , solo show till march 2025

Tori Tasch

winner of the Artivism biennale in bordeaux, solo show at Manpaï till March 2025

Following this, starting on March 26, 2025, the gallery will showcase the work of Rebecca Sørensen, a multifaceted artist who excels both as a visual creator and as a soprano with the Bordeaux National Opera House. Sørensen has spent over a decade working with repurposed textiles, particularly embroidery, which she dyes using natural methods in her Bordeaux studio. Her intricate, hand-sewn pieces – often crafted during her opera rehearsals – serve as meditative tools, blending art and mindfulness. Inspired by the themes of love and mourning often found in classical opera, Sørensen translates these into abstract compositions that echo the principles of the Bauhaus school, where form and function meet to create a harmonious artistic vision. Thus, her collection also includes functional yet artistic elements such as shawls, decorative window panels, and even custom-made cup holders, all crafted with the same attention to detail and natural dye techniques, seamlessly blending art with everyday practicality.

Rebecca Sorensen in edge magazine as winner of the artivism biennale in bordeaux , public web choice

Rebecca Sørensen, Crepuscule
Patchwork – natural dyes on linen and cotton fabric
148X96 cm

The final show of this three-part series will feature Bordeaux-based painter and sculptor Celia Gouveiac. Her series Je suis – I am, delves into self-discovery, promoting balance between one’s life and ancestral roots, ultimately offering a sense of serenity through introspection. Gouveiac’s vividly colored paintings will adorn the walls of Manapi starting in September 2025, closing out this groundbreaking trilogy.

For more information about Artivism and the Manpaï Center’s upcoming events

Divine Matrix of Light by Celia Gouveiac, institutional choice of the Artivism Biennale bordeaux , art show to come on September 2025

Celia Gouveiac, Divine Matrix of Light

acrylic on canvas, 2023

146×116 cm 

We had the honor of welcoming several distinguished figures to our jury, including Madame Diane Pernet, Diana Gräfin von Hohenthal und Bergen, and Madame Laurence Pusteto, alongside other prominent personalities from Bordeaux. The nominees included Gaia Adduccio, Anton Laiko, Arnauld Runuccini, and Cristopher Lavenair.

For more information about Artivism and the Manpaï Center’s upcoming events

 

Mircea Milcovitch – The Divine Essence of Stone

Mircea Milcovitch – The Divine Essence of Stone

French sculptor Mircea Milcovitch is renowned for his relentless pursuit of pure form, seeking depth and meaning beyond the superficial simplifications often seen in contemporary art. His marble and schist sculptures are crafted to captivate both mind and soul, inviting viewers into a dialogue with the essence of form and material.

Maria, by Pablo Larraín

Maria, by Pablo Larraín

“Maria”, directed by Pablo Larraín, is an emotionally charged biopic starring Angelina Jolie in a mesmerizing portrayal of the legendary diva. Jolie’s performance is strikingly immersive, with up to 40% of the role relying on her voice alone to capture the essence of Maria’s character. Exclusive photos from the Venice Film Festival by Marco Tassini