The exhibition “Predictions, Artists Facing the Future” currently taking place in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, explores the theme of predicting the future through the artworks of various artists throughout history. The exhibit showcases works from artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Marc Chagall, Gustave Doré, and Auguste Rodin. The human fascination with predicting the future has both political and religious dimensions, as it relates to the ability to act and govern based on foreseen events.
The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first part, held at the Royal Monastery of Brou, features prestigious works from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The second part showcases contemporary art at the H2M-Contemporary Art Space in Bourg-en-Bresse. The first portion of the exhibition at the Royal Monastery of Brou focuses on the end times, with references to the Christian perspective on the apocalypse and the final judgment of humanity.
Artworks presented at the exhibition reference biblical themes, such as the Dragon with multiple heads from the first German-printed Bible and Rodin’s “Avarice and Lust.” The exhibition at the Royal Monastery of Brou is organized into three main sections: works featuring divine messengers and prophets, arts of divination including astrology and cartomancy, and European literature and legends. The exhibition also features works such as “The Prophets Libuse” by Karel Masek, depicting a mythical founder of Prague.
While the exhibition predominantly focuses on European traditions and artists, it does not encompass Eastern or Indigenous traditions. Visitors may be disappointed if expecting to see objects related to divination or artists considered seers. The exhibit primarily features artworks depicting divination practices rather than artists renowned for their prophetic abilities. Despite this limitation, the exhibition offers a rich exploration of the human fascination with predicting the future through art.
Overall, the exhibition “Predictions, Artists Facing the Future” showcases a diverse range of artworks that explore the theme of predicting the future. From ancient biblical references to contemporary interpretations, the exhibition delves into the human obsession with foretelling what is to come. Visitors can expect to see a wide array of artistic representations of divination practices and prophetic themes, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of art, belief, and the unknown future.
