A retrospect to Révélations 2019

The Biennal and its environment

The 4th edition of the International Fine Craft and Creation Biennial « Revelations » came to an end on Sunday 26 May. The event has been a true success, shown in the numbers of visitors, designers, and stands who were present in the Grand Palais. Luxembourg, country of honor at this edition, celebrated the energy of its cultural identity and richness of its contemporary art and craft scene. Endorsed by the association De Mains De Maîtres Luxembourg, the Grand Duchy’s excellence of talent and diversity of materials, gestures and know-how is presented to the French public through a selection of Luxembourgish artisans and designers.

Not only does the Grand Palais provide a beautiful backdrop for the exhibition and its works, it creates an encouraging climate for new business opportunities. On Wednesday 22 May, professionals such a collectors, gallerists, press and other designers gain an exclusive preview to all the biennial has to offer and it is on this day that important connections, direct sales and unique collaborations are made between individuals of the international art and craft world.

Other aspects the biennial supports are transmission of information and conceptual discussion. Over the duration of 5 days, several workshops, seminars, lectures, and interviews were held opening the floor to artists and representatives to discuss the current matters in the art world.

A round table, organized by Mr. Tom Wirion, General Manager of the Chamber of Trades, and moderated by Mrs. Maggie Steffen, invited some of its talented creators to discuss the present and future of their business in Luxembourg, facing the evolution of techniques in a market that continues to globalize.

The opening

The biennial was opened Wednesday evening 22nd May with the presence of Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess and their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke Heir and the Grand Duchess Heiress who were at the initiative of the first major exhibition dedicated to artisans and creators of art in Luxembourg in December 2016. Accompanying the royal delegation were Mrs Sam Tanson, Minister of Culture and Housing of Luxembourg, and Mr Lex Delles, Minister of the Middle Classes and Tourism who in their speeches reminded the public of the importance of culture, creation and the preservation of know-how.

The off programme

An “Hors les Murs” parcour was created in partnership with 14 private and public venues in Paris. Such venues included Maison Deyrolle, Drouot, Artcurial, Maison Lesage, Maria Wettergren Gallery, Villa Datris Foundation, DS World Paris, Patrick Roger, 19 Paul Fort, the Finnish Institute, Collection Gallery, L’Atelier, Empreintes and Talents. The Luxembourgish artisans were presented in the exceptional setting of the Luxembourg residence located on the Champs de Mars (private tours by reservation only), and in the windows of the Galignani bookshop which borders the Tuileries garden.

The future

In 2020, the 3rd edition of the De Mains De Maitres biennial will be held where once again designers, visitors and partners will come together to establish a collection of excellency and a dialogue that stresses the importance of the art and craft world; we invite everyone to apply, contribute or visit.

Key numbers

4th edition
37522 visitors
500 creators
33 countries