Aurélien Mole & Julien Tiberi [with Leonor Antunes, Jesus Alberto Benitez, Roxane Borujerdi, Nicolas Chardon, Hippolyte Hentgen, Raphaël Julliard, Pierre Leguillon, Christophe Lemaitre, Colombe Marcasiano, Olivier Nattes, Clément Rodzielski, Izet Sheshivari, Olivier Soulerin, S.Y.N.D.I.C.A.T., Eva Taulois, Niels Trannois, Cyril Verde, Charlotte York]

Aurélien Mole and Julien Tiberi, whose artistic backgrounds and media are quite distinct, intertwine their practices in specific projects that allow them to respond to a particular exhibition context or to imagine shared tools of vision that bring their works into play and into dialogue with one another. In 2011, they presented a first version of the Sir Thomas Trope exhibition at the HO bookstore in Marseille, under the aegis of an enigmatic personality. Although imaginary, this tutelary figure was inspired by the English architect Sir John Soane, whose London home housed a vast collection of antiques arranged like a cabinet of curiosities and filled with optical illusions, hidden corners, and reflections.

The character's name is derived from a homophonic pun on the thaumatrope, a small pre-cinematic optical device based on the principle of rapidly rotating one image after another. A set design featuring pivoting walls gives shape to this optical and architectural conjunction, creating a delightful and playful display in which their respective works lend themselves to new perspectives. Numerous rotations, integrated into the wall mechanism and acting on the works, also allow the process to be multiplied and placed in perspective. These connections prompt an initial reading of the works of Aurélien Mole and Julien Tiberi, whose pieces often involve a superimposition of references and relationships from one piece to another. Mirror effects, upside-down images, double-sided games, and postcard cabinets are all experiments initiated by the installation of this device, the effects of which are more than ever influencing their practices.

Aurélien Mole and Julien Tiberi have been invited to the Villa du Parc to bring back the figure of Sir Thomas Trope for a new appearance. On this occasion, a hidden archive from the Marseille exhibition will be presented, three rotating and pivoting picture rails will be produced specifically for the occasion, and numerous new pieces by the artists will be on display, such as Aurélien Mole's incomplete objects and new drawings and paintings by Julien Tiberi.