The project of Australian Aboriginal artist, Jonathan Jones, displayed at the Château de Malmaison and at the Palais de Tokyo examines complex history and addresses powerful issues such as the notion of restitution, collective healing processes and the colonisation of Aboriginal knowledge.

The starting point for this exhibition is the French expedition to the southern lands led by Captain Nicolas Baudin in 1800-1804. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, this was one of the most extensive scientific expeditions ever undertaken to Australia, which brought back to France many artifacts, flora, and fauna. This is how kangaroos, black swans, emus, wattles, and eucalyptus were divided on arrival in France between the National Museum of Natural History and the Parc de Malmaison.

The acclimatisation of these species and the research carried out by scientists at the time inspired Jonathan Jones to create several works in a unique process of translation.

In the Salle des Atours of the Chateau, the artist will present emu eggs on which are engraved the plants from Étienne-Pierre Ventenat’s book Jardin de La Malmaison. These works will be accompanied by a soundscape, the same one that can be discovered at the Palais de Tokyo, inspired by the transcription made during the Baudin expedition of a corroboree (aboriginal ceremony).

Educational workshops will be offered around the exhibition:

– “Carnets de voyages” for children (7 to 12 years old) during the winter school holidays (Saturdays 19 February, 26 February 2022 and 5 March 2022 from 2pm to 5pm) with the visual artist Hélène Kermanach.

– A “Flower Stencils” workshop for children (7 to 12 years old) will be held in the spring (Monday 18 April 2022 from 2 to 5 pm). On the last day of the exhibition, the artist will offer to make stencils on ostrich eggs from flowers and plants gathered in the Malmaison garden and the Bois-Préau park, which will then accompany Jonathan Jones’ creations to Australia.

Participation in the workshops: 10 €. Registration within the limits of available places: reservation.malmaison@culture.gouv.fr

Practical information

Full price: €6.50

Reduced rate: 5 € (young people aged 18 to 25, non-EU residents, members of large families on presentation of valid proof)

Groups: €5.50 (per person from 10 people)

The museum is open every day except Tuesday

from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 5.45 pm (6.15 pm on weekends)

Last admission 45 minutes before closing time