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An Open-Air Art Exhibit: La Grande Lessive

4.04.2013
La Grande Lessive [IMGP1412]

Last week, the international "ephemeral one day art event" known as La Grande Lessive (which literally means "the big laundry/washing") was held in over 67 countries, celebrating art in a collective, social and expressive way. The idea is to hang artwork using wood pins on clotheslines that weave through trees and poles and buildings, creating a magnificent exhibition of (mostly children's) hand-drawn/painted/cut works unbound and free.

When my older son was younger, his school participated in La Grande Lessive. I was just so enamored by the waves of color strewn throughout and around the grounds of the preschool, I had no idea the scope of this open to all, open-air installation. First created in 2006 by French artist Joëlle Gonthier, the aim is to awaken the desire of discovery and to vary the possible approaches and, consequently, the creations of art forms... to tighten social links and trigger an interest and desire to create art. It is now in five continents with millions of participants and spreads with no advertising and no budget, but merely by word of mouth and the loyalty of its contributors.

The biannual event has principally been held at schools and art centers (though it can be organized anywhere). It is a beautifully simple way for children to express themselves through art, have their work displayed for everybody to see and be recognized as they are, artists. I can't wait for La Grande Lessive to expand even further across the globe and into all schools.


All children are artists - Picasso


photo credits: Lola A, drofmit4108-flickr


8 comments

  1. Beautiful captures and what a lovely event - I did not know about it until now! How lucky your son could participate. I hope it spreads to more areas too (and I love that Picasso quote:)). Hope it's a calming weekend for you!

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    1. Thank you Lulu! I wish it could be a permanent exhibit :)

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  2. It rained on the kids' parade this year... shame!
    And as for Miss Mache [earlier post]... she is one wierd girl!!

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    1. Awww... I guess that's why in the instructions for the event, it says to envelop the artwork in plastic sleeves just in case. Hopefully next time, there'll be plenty of sunshine! As for Miss Mache, weird but cute nonetheless, non? :)

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  3. I've never heard of this before and feel as though I have certainly missed out on something very special. How beautiful!

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    1. Hopefully la Grande Lessive will make its way around to every corner of the world... it's such a precious event. So wonderful to have you visit Carla :)

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  4. What a wonderful event! I have never heard of this before. It looks so lovely!

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    1. I can just see your bold and colorful artwork floating in the wind Alexa! Someday soon perhaps you'll get a chance to participate :)

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