Frontière

The temporary exhibition Frontière at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie offers a profound and timely exploration of the lines—both physical and symbolic—that structure our contemporary world. As a curator, I find the exhibition’s strength lies in its ability to deconstruct the frontière (boundary) not merely as a static wall, but as a dynamic, artificial object that deeply influences human geography and social identities. By moving through ten thematic islands, visitors are invited to witness how these limits act as zones of tri and control, spaces of resource exploitation, or tragic theaters of conflict and refuge.

The curatorial narrative is enriched by a multidisciplinary collaboration with esteemed figures such as geographer Michel Foucher, whose work on the valse des frontières (the dance of borders) provides a vital historical perspective on two centuries of territorial shifts. The inclusion of artistic and field-based research, such as the immersive video-mapping of the US-Mexico border and the poignant field observations by Fernando Garlin Politis, elevates the discourse from abstract geopolitics to a deeply human scale. These works highlight the paradox of the modern era: a world of unprecedented globalization that simultaneously witnesses a proliferation of new barriers and invisible digital borders within the cyberespace.

A significant emotional resonance is achieved through powerful installations that confront the viewer with the human cost of these divisions. The stèle (stele) projecting the names and dates of those who have perished at European borders since 1993 serves as a sobering memorial, while the forensic investigation into the death of Blessing Matthew by Border Forensics creates a visceral bridge between scientific inquiry and social justice. These segments move the audience beyond passive observation, fostering a reflective state on the inequalities and the shared responsibility inherent in our global mobility.

Ultimately, Frontière succeeds in its mission to "play cards on the table," utilizing a rich variety of mediums—from interactive maps by the Institut français de géopolitique to the evocative films of Roland Edzard. By blending scientific rigor with artistic sensitivity, the exhibition challenges our perceptions of the "other" and the "elsewhere." It concludes not with a simple definition, but with a call to rethink the frontier as a living, breathing space that has the power to both separate and, more importantly, link human civilizations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frontière