Program Overview
Introduction to the Artist Residency Program
The University of Rennes 1 has been hosting artist Guillaume Gouerou in a residency program since November 2018. This program is a unique collaboration between the artist and the university's researchers, exploring the intersection of art and science.
About the Artist Guillaume Gouerou
Guillaume Gouerou is an artist who experiments with matter, using a process of artificial heating to create glass amalgams composed of natural minerals. He studies these minerals using technological means and extracts images from them. The final stages of his process involve cutting these stones and using them to create jewelry.
Collaboration with Researchers
Guillaume Gouerou has been working with several researchers from the University of Rennes 1, including:
- Ludovic Paquin, a specialist in microwave and molecule interactions at the Institute of Chemical Sciences of Rennes
- Ronan Lebullenger, a specialist in microwave synthesis and mineral materials, glasses, and ceramics at the Institute of Chemical Sciences of Rennes
- Patrick Houizot, a doctor and engineer in materials chemistry at the Institute of Physics of Rennes, specializing in the synthesis and characterization of glasses and ceramics
The Alchemy of Glass Conference
The residency led to a conference titled "The Alchemy of Glass," which was held at the Diapason - University of Rennes 1 on October 10, 2019. This conference was a unique opportunity for the artist to share his work and collaborate with the researchers.
Geologia Exhibition
An exhibition titled "Geologia" was held at the 40mcube gallery from January 25 to April 26, 2020. The exhibition created an immersive atmosphere, inviting viewers to contemplate and reflect on the relationship between humans and their environment. The exhibition featured documentation, fiction, and narrative, highlighting the ambivalence of science and the complex relationships between humans and their environment.
Artist Residency Agreement
The residency was supported by the G幯廨ator program of the 40M3 gallery in Rennes. The agreement allowed Guillaume Gouerou to work regularly with the researchers at the university's laboratories. The residency was financially supported by the university's cultural service.
Research Areas
The residency program focused on the intersection of art and science, exploring topics such as:
- The use of microwaves in material synthesis
- The study of natural minerals and their properties
- The creation of glass amalgams and their applications
- The relationship between humans and their environment
Conclusion
The artist residency program at the University of Rennes 1 has provided a unique opportunity for Guillaume Gouerou to collaborate with researchers and explore the intersection of art and science. The program has led to the creation of new and innovative works, and has highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing our understanding of the world around us.