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Bel Ouvrage – il Corpo della Materia

At the crossroads of heritage and contemporary design, “Le Confident”, inspired by Empress Eugénie’s armchair, was presented at the 2026 Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art — “Bel Ouvrage – Il Corpo della Materia”.

BEL OUVRAGE VENICE 2026

May 4–July 20, 2026

 

The new strategic event for collectible design during the Art Biennale. Founded by curator Carole de Bona, Bel Ouvrage has established itself as an international curatorial platform where collectible design, contemporary art, and exceptional craftsmanship come together in heritage venues of rare significance. Bel Ouvrage presents Il Corpo della Materia in the historic cloister of the Madonna dell’Orto in Venice, in conjunction with the Art Biennale, a period during which the city attracts collectors, institutions, and influencers from around the world.

Conceived as an environment of influence, the exhibition brings together a select group of contributors invited to present major works, chosen for their uniqueness and striking presence.

More than just an exhibition, Bel Ouvrage serves as a platform for positioning and development, fostering pivotal encounters, acquisitions, and new commissions.

About Bel Ouvrage

 

An independent organization specializing in the design and production of exhibitions dedicated to collectible design and exceptional craftsmanship, Bel Ouvrage organizes comprehensively designed events to complement major international events and trade fairs.

Acknowledgments

Our heartfelt thanks to our embroidery partner, ATELIER SAFRANE CORTAMBERT, without whom this project would never have come to fruition.

And, of course, to all the teams at Ateliers Philippe Coudray, who brought this chair to life just as beautifully as we had imagined it.

Trim cords: PASSEMENTERIES DE L’ILE DE FRANCE

Fabric painting: Cécile GAUNEAU & Anna LUCCHINI, ornamental painters

3D Designer: Gaultier BIGOT Studio

Fabric: NOBILIS éditeur

Sycamore and beech wood frame: Luis LOUROT & Laurent ROCA

 

A special shout-out to Eric CHARLES-DONATIEN, feather artist and designer, with whom we dreamed up this event

photo credit: @levraimonde.media