French artist Cyril Lancelin has installed a large-scale inflatable sculpture named "Circle Stars" within the historic courtyard of the Étrépagny media library in northern France. The piece, composed of interlocking, star-shaped tubular forms, features a reflective silver surface that mirrors its centuries-old surroundings.
The installation was presented as part of the Spot group exhibition, an event organized by the Department of Eure to coincide with the European Heritage Days. Its placement creates a direct visual dialogue between contemporary art and historical architecture.
Key Takeaways
- "Circle Stars" is a monumental inflatable sculpture by Lyon-based artist Cyril Lancelin.
- It is installed in the historic courtyard of the Médiathèque d’Étrépagny in northern France.
- The artwork's reflective silver skin mirrors the surrounding stone arcades, roofs, and sky.
- The installation contrasts modern inflatable technology with the site's traditional masonry.
- It was part of the Spot exhibition for the European Heritage Days, aiming to reactivate the heritage site.
A Modern Constellation in a Historic Courtyard
At the center of the Étrépagny media library's cloister garden, Cyril Lancelin's "Circle Stars" introduces a striking contemporary element. The structure is formed from a series of interconnected tubular loops shaped like stars, which together create a large, circular, and airy volume. This geometric arrangement resembles a three-dimensional constellation, seemingly frozen in a moment of expansion.
The sculpture's placement is site-specific, designed to interact directly with the courtyard's features. It occupies the central garden, framing a historic statue and establishing a conversation between the inflatable artwork and the enduring stone masonry of the library. Visitors can view the piece from the surrounding arcades or walk directly underneath it, offering multiple perspectives.
Art Meets Heritage
The installation was commissioned for the European Heritage Days, an annual event that encourages the public to explore local history and culture. By placing a modern, interactive sculpture in a historic setting, the project encourages new ways of seeing and engaging with the architectural heritage of the Étrépagny media library.
The Interplay of Light and Reflection
A key feature of "Circle Stars" is its highly reflective silver skin. This surface acts as a dynamic mirror, capturing and distorting images of the surrounding environment. The stone arcades, pitched roofs of the library, and the open sky are all reflected on the sculpture's curved forms.
This reflective quality means the artwork's appearance is constantly changing. The visual experience is dictated by the time of day and the weather conditions. According to reports, under bright sunlight, the surface fragments the courtyard into a mosaic of bright flashes. On an overcast day, the silver material takes on an almost liquid quality, with softer, more fluid reflections.
As daylight shifts, the sculpture behaves like a living lens, absorbing and redistributing the landscape. This continuous transformation dissolves the boundary between the artwork and its context, making the environment an integral part of the piece itself.
Material Contrast
The use of modern inflatable technology, specifically materials from manufacturer Air Toile Concept, provides a stark contrast to the centuries-old masonry of the courtyard. This juxtaposition highlights the evolution of architectural and artistic forms over time.
An Invitation for Public Engagement
Cyril Lancelin's work often explores what he describes as "volumetric drawings in space." "Circle Stars" continues this investigation by creating an ephemeral but architectural form that is both monumental and accessible. The design invites public interaction, encouraging visitors to walk around and beneath the interlocking stars.
The symbolism within the piece is intentional. The star motif represents concepts of guidance and imagination, while the overall circular shape suggests continuity and unity. Together, these elements create a structure that is both playful and meditative.
Reactivating a Public Space
The installation is part of a broader mission to bring large-scale, participatory art into public and cultural spaces. By placing "Circle Stars" in the library's courtyard, the artist and curators aimed to reimagine how the public relates to both geometry and place.
The project serves to reactivate the heritage site, transforming it into a social and contemplative hub. It draws attention to the interplay between history, architecture, and contemporary creativity, offering a new visual experience for the community and visitors to the region.
Project Background and Credits
The "Circle Stars" project was a collaborative effort. The client for the installation was the Department of Eure, with curation by Aurélie Roperh. Production was managed by Behind the Curtain, and the inflatable structure was fabricated by Air Toile Concept.
This work is consistent with Lancelin's artistic practice, which frequently uses immersive, geometric, and often inflatable forms to alter the perception of public spaces. His installations have appeared in various locations worldwide, each time adapting to the specific context of the site.
