For the first time in its history, the Révélations biennial created and organised by Ateliers d’Art de France has been presented abroad, starting in China!
Révélations, the showcase of French craftsmanship excellence, has been exported to Beijing, at the heart of the National Agricultural Exhibition Center from 19 to 23 September 2024. The “Revelations China” fair is set to become a biennial event, alternating with Paris, and will be held in Shanghai in 2026.
Ateliers d’Art de France, the owner of the Révélations brand, has played an active role in the creation of this first international edition, allowing fine craft workshops to shine across borders. “When the Révélations biennial was launched in the heart of Paris in 2013 by Ateliers d’Art de France, we lifted the veil on the intimate world of fine craft workshops to raise awareness and recognition of the role of the fine crafts sector in our country. Ten years later, the family has grown and, together with Beijing Design Week and Global Ace, we are launching the first international edition of Révélations in Beijing to showcase our sector on a global scale,” said Stéphane Galerneau, Chairman of Ateliers d’Art de France and Co-Chairman of Revelations China.
This message of ambitious cultural, economic and institutional cooperation for the fine crafts sector consolidates a strong friendship between China and France, both of which are already deeply committed to the promotion and protection of craftsmanship and creation. This first international presentation of Révélations’ values in China will open up significant business development opportunities.
The Revelations China fair was one of 8 emblematic events announced by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, as part of the 60th anniversary of Franco-Chinese diplomatic relations in 2024.
The bet paid off: over 11,200 visitors came to discover more than 550 pieces of fine craftsmanship from all over the world. Revelations China was widely covered in the press and on social networks, with more than a million online views of photos of the show’s exhibits.
Revelations China is the result of years of work with Global Ace, the company commissioned by the Ateliers d’Art de France to organise the biennial. It was important to preserve the DNA of Révélations while adapting to the local context. The audience was there, showing genuine enthusiasm and the Chinese public’s strong anticipation of fine craftsmanship.
Ateliers d’Art de France is being approached by other countries to extend Révélations. A strong signal of the international enthusiasm for this French art de vivre.
Révélations, the showcase of French craftsmanship excellence, has been exported to Beijing, at the heart of the National Agricultural Exhibition Center from 19 to 23 September 2024. The “Revelations China” fair is set to become a biennial event, alternating with Paris, and will be held in Shanghai in 2026.
Ateliers d’Art de France, the owner of the Révélations brand, has played an active role in the creation of this first international edition, allowing fine craft workshops to shine across borders. “When the Révélations biennial was launched in the heart of Paris in 2013 by Ateliers d’Art de France, we lifted the veil on the intimate world of fine craft workshops to raise awareness and recognition of the role of the fine crafts sector in our country. Ten years later, the family has grown and, together with Beijing Design Week and Global Ace, we are launching the first international edition of Révélations in Beijing to showcase our sector on a global scale,” said Stéphane Galerneau, Chairman of Ateliers d’Art de France and Co-Chairman of Revelations China.
Among the 130 exhibitors from around twenty countries who presented nearly 600 pieces, France had a special place as the guest of honour.
During the five days of the fair, Ateliers d’Art de France presented works by 11 artists exhibiting at the Galerie Collection, highlighting the creative richness of the French fine craft sector and the excellence of its craftsmanship. After a series of successful experiences for the Ateliers d’Art de France gallery on the Asian art market—notably at the Craft Trend Fair in Seoul, the Cheongju Biennale in South Korea, Crafts Bangkok, and the Art Fair Tokyo—this is an important first for the Chinese market.
Visitors discovered a monumental raku wall installation by Sophie Bayeux, stoneware sculptures by Julie Bergeron, papier-mâché works by Sandy Pouget and geometric wooden creations by Vivien Grandouiller. Sylvie Guyomard and Arnauld le Calvé presented fascinating combinations of materials, while Audrey Jezic, Agnès Klefstad, Jean-Michel Letellier, Chloé Peytermann and Marie Rancillac offered a variety of poetic, botanical and colourful worlds through exceptional unique pieces.
Alongside the Ateliers d’Art de France stand, the Mobilier National, in collaboration with the Manufacture de Sèvres, unveiled some treasures: a rococo candelabra, a porcelain insect, a massive lace spider’s web and metal trunks designed by scenographer Edgar Jayet.
A signature event of the Paris biennial, Le Banquet embodies a dialogue between cultures and is one of the highlights of the fair.
It is also at the heart of Revelations China, where five countries have been invited to share their vision of fine craftsmanship with the world: Georgia, Egypt, Ecuador, Spain and France, where 12 members of the Ateliers d’Art de France have created unique and original pieces especially for the event.
*Revelations China is owned by Ateliers d’Art de France, who commissioned Global Ace to organise the event as part of Beijing Design Week.
