VILLA KUJOYAMA

10 ans de Métiers d’Art

Scenographer and Curator

José Lévy is not merely designing an exhibition to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Métiers d’Art at Villa Kujoyama—he is its emotional and artistic architect. As a designer, artist, and scenographer, he brings a deeply personal vision to this event, shaped by his own experience as a former resident in 2011. Beyond simple curation, he orchestrates an experience where every element reflects his intimate connection to the Villa, a place of transformation that continues to shape artists long after they leave.

For José Lévy, Villa Kujoyama is more than a residency space—it is a crucible for artistic and personal evolution. His approach is based on a strong conviction: the Villa is not just a place one passes through; it leaves a lasting imprint.

"My time at the Villa changed my perception of Japan, my practice, and my life. I want to share that experience—not just mine, but that of all those who have been shaped by this place."

Rather than simply exhibiting works, he envisions an event that tells a story. Through an immersive and sensitive scenography, he reveals the invisible traces left by past residents and highlights the links between craftsmanship, cultures, and disciplines.

José Lévy shapes an exhibition where every element becomes a tangible imprint of the artists’ journeys. He does not merely stage works; he orchestrates an emotional and immersive journey.

From the very entrance, a projection of images and an original soundtrack immerse visitors in the world of the residency. The dim glow of five hundred candles guides the path, a poetic echo of his intervention at the Villa’s reopening in 2014.

The exhibition presents the Villa as a space of interconnection. The “Fils et Filles” garlands, created by more than fifty past laureates, weave a symbolic thread between past and present, linking the Villa to its residents. In the patios, ceramic and lacquer pieces embody the delicate dialogue between French and Japanese craftsmanship.

In the auditorium, the voices of former residents resonate through video testimonies titled “What the Villa Did to Me”. Presented in an intimate atmosphere, these stories make the impact of the residency palpable, far beyond the time spent there.

Artistic performances punctuate the event, blending sculpture, dance, and music, featuring artists such as Nina Fradet, François-Xavier Richard, and Japanese collaborators. The living scenography reflects the diversity and richness of Franco-Japanese exchanges.

Beyond his role as curator, José Lévy acts as a bridge between two cultures. Through this curation, he seeks to create both visible and invisible connections between artists, artisans, and visitors. He aims to establish a lasting legacy, demonstrating that the impact of the Villa extends far beyond the residency itself. Above all, he invites visitors to experience a fraction of the transformative journey that residents undergo.

José Lévy orchestrates this event as a work of art in its own right. He does not simply showcase; he invites visitors to feel—the beauty of objects, the intimacy of testimonies, the power of collaborations. Through this celebration, he offers a deeply sensitive and vibrant interpretation of Villa Kujoyama, revealing the richness of this place of creation, exchange, and lasting transformation.