From May 26 to July 17, 2022, the Jardin Exotique & Botanique de Roscoff will host ASAÉS, an artistic, gastronomic and olfactory experience created and produced by visual artist Claire Xuân.
Conceived and produced in France, Vietnam, Morocco, Japan, China and Laos, the ASAÉS artistic creation illustrates the five universally recognized tastes and flavors that are the common thread running through this artistic project: Acidic, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy and Salty.
The exhibition highlights and perfumes a selection of plant raw materials – flowers, fruits, herbs, algae, aromatic plants and fragrant woods – used in the culinary arts and perfumery, but also in certain ritual practices, notably those of tea, very present in the exhibition, and also those of incense. Roscovite seaweed is naturally featured in many of the creations.
ASAÉS presents a collection of original graphic compositions created by the artist from his photographs; most of the paintings exhibited at the Jardin Exotique & Botanique are unpublished and have been created especially for this edition in Roscoff. Visitors can also discover a selection of works from the book “Thés et temples de Corée”, dedicated to the famous universal beverage.
Through her creations, Claire Xuan pays homage to the Asian pictorial art that has so inspired her; through the interplay of her own compositions, she evokes the materials, textures, construction and presentation of these traditional Asian paintings.
Poetic and playful, ASAÉS appeals to the imagination, sensibility, observation and memory of audiences of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.
Alongside this garden installation, and after solving visual riddles to recognize and identify familiar shapes called pareidolia in certain abstract canvases, visitors can enjoy a sensory experience based more specifically on taste and smell, and solve olfactory and gustatory riddles based on plant materials presented at interactive workshops led by the artist.
During these workshops, which are by reservation only, gourmet treats based on ASAÉS ingredients will be sampled, with some of the city’s chefs and food artisans offering an original recipe and sharing their knowledge.
To continue the sensory journey, you can test your nose with the olfactorium designed for ASAÉS. Participants will be able to discover and appreciate the many facets of the natural and cultural heritage of different countries and regions. Literary encounters and other surprises will also be on offer. In addition, the artist will organize educational workshops for local schoolchildren around the exhibition.
At the same time, a selection of ASAÉS canvases will be on display at the Hôtel d’Angleterre in downtown Roscoff, one of the event’s partners.
At the same time, a selection of ASAÉS canvases will be on display at the Hôtel d’Angleterre in downtown Roscoff, one of the event’s partners.
Guided tours, literary encounters, workshops and tastings are available on reservation
(02 98 61 29 19 – grapes@wanadoo.fr) or on Hello Asso :
(02 98 61 29 19 – grapes@wanadoo.fr) or on Hello Asso :