Immersed in lilies — ‘Imagine Monet’ brings art to life in Jeddah

Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - JEDDAH: Visitors have the chance to immerse in the ethereal artworks of Claude Monet as the “Imagine Monet” exhibition, created by renowned artists Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron, debuts in Jeddah.

Part of the 2024 Jeddah Season 2024 until July 28, the exhibition is powered by large scale displays of the paintings of one of the foremost figures of the impressionist school of art.

“Imagine Monet” showcases more than 200 masterpieces and is organized into three distinct sections, each offering a deep dive into different aspects of Monet’s life and work.

The first section shines a spotlight on Monet himself, his family, garden, and the landscapes that inspired him. The second section is dedicated to his famous series, including “Haystacks,” “Rouen Cathedral,” and “Gare Saint-Lazare.” The exhibition ends in a breathtaking display of Monet’s garden in Giverny and his iconic “Water Lilies” series.

Abdullah bin Slaih, an educational guide at the exhibition, elaborated on Monet’s innovative use of light and nature in his work: “He loved to paint … he especially loved to paint nature as he saw it exactly. That’s why they call it Impressionism, because he impressions nature as it is right in front of him, spot on, without any single error.”

The exhibition showcases works from the 1872 “Impression, Sunrise” to the “Water Lilies” series painted between 1914 and 1926, Slaih noted. “Monet, with no assistance, was inspired very much by nature … the Japanese bridge, for example. He made different paintings of it. So, we can see it in variations, for example, where we can see the same scene but with different lighting effects.

“The water lilies from Japan fascinated him so much that he brought them back home to Giverny, France. He painted them in different variations, angles, and reflections of the sun and lighting. This exhibition allows us to see the same subjects in different settings, such as sunshine, sunset, and different seasons,” he explained.

The exhibition combines the authenticity of Monet’s art with the advancements of modern technology, providing an educational yet deeply engaging experience suitable for all ages.

Visitors to the “Imagine Monet” exhibition are invited to immerse themselves in a transformative experience where Monet’s masterpieces come to life through the innovative use of 40 HD projectors and Image Totale technology.

Developed by Albert Plecy and enhanced by Hans Walter Muller’s topo-projection, this technique allows Monet’s artworks to transcend their frames, filling the exhibition space with high-definition projections. The exhibition space itself is designed as a discovery room, offering 360-degree views on walls and floors that provide a comprehensive perspective on Monet’s artistic journey.

Visitors can explore Monet’s works from various angles, engaging in an audio-visual experience that deepens their understanding of his artistry while following their own path through the art, discovering new details and connections at their own pace.

The exhibition also features a dedicated section for children, designed to engage young visitors with a blend of fun and education. This area includes a green grass maze where kids can explore and play, surrounded by art installations and plants that reflect Monet’s love for nature. Interactive activities, such as creating their own artworks inspired by Monet’s style, and Monet-themed storybooks that introduce them to the artist’s life and work, are also available for younger visitors.

Arwah Masoud, a local art enthusiast, said: “Walking through the ‘Imagine Monet’ exhibition felt like stepping into a dream. The immersive experience brings Monet’s masterpieces to life in a way I've never seen before. It's breathtaking to see the same scenes in different lights and seasons, and the music adds an emotional depth that truly transports you into Monet’s world.”

Mohammed Saud, visiting with his children, expressed: “This exhibition is ideal for all ages. My kids were fascinated by the vibrant colors and interactive elements. It’s more than just an art display; it’s an educational journey that deepened our appreciation of Monet’s genius.

“They especially enjoyed painting and creating artwork in the kids’ section, which allowed us to explore the space and discover new details in each painting. It’s a great way for parents to keep their children engaged while we enjoy the exhibition.”