The Character Factory
An installation of data sculptures on gendered objects for children.
As directors of Atelier Baudelaire, mothers and feminists, Camille and Olivia question gender determinisms and the origins of glass ceiling mechanisms on a daily basis in the wake of current debates on equality. The evolution of their own experiences in the field of design, combined with their learning about parenthood, has led them to question the role of toys in the construction of gendered identities. For most parents, playing is seen as a natural activity, but mostly it is the objects on the market that shape gendered categories of thoughts. Numerous sociological studies highlight the fact that mass-market toys contribute massively to the stigmatization of children's gendered activities and interests. For example, Serge Chaumier, a professor and researcher at the University of Artois, has made the following hypothesis based on a critical study of toy catalogs: Toys are becoming more technical in their design and more in tune with consumer society, but the boundary between the sexes remains impermeable. The narratives created by toys do not seem to be developing much in the way of porous activities between the male and female sexes. Today, a gendered separation of activities and skills between men and women is still statistically observed in adulthood. The choice of interests, professional activities and thus the power lineage in the social hierarchy are still largely determined by gender. Is the marketing of major children's brands responsible for this die hard phenomenon?
Exhibition for the general public :
4th International Biennial of Graphic Design 2023, from May 24 to July 15, 2023. At former Sainte-Marie School, rue Edmé Bouchardon. 52000 Chaumont
The scenography of the exhibition has been designed as a kit so that it can be completely disassembled, transported and easily rearranged. Mobile interpretation tools allow visitors to read and understand the exhibition independently. The materials and design of the furniture have been conceived in an environmentally friendly way, minimizing waste and reusing everything.
at festival Graphims 2nd edition from february 29 to may 18 2024, at La Fenêtre, Montpellier. A0 posters serie.
This project was selected by the patronage commission of the Fondation des Artistes (MABA), Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild (9, 11 rue Berryer 75008 Paris)
Curatorship, research, writing Atelier Baudelaire
Research Atelier Baudelaire, Grégoire Romanet, Mélanie Piat
Research and graphic execution Maria Calzolari, Amélie Ramel, Cédric Houssein, Clément Frassi
Scenography Atelier Baudelaire et Kilian Connan
Construction Kilian Connan, Alexandre Kouklia, Paul Harroch (FAO), Swen Renault (montage).
Sewing Marcia Berthe
Silk print Lecteur Club
Artistic programming Jean-Michel Géridan (Chaumont), Gaëlle Maury (Montpellier)
Camille Baudelaire + Olivia Grandperrin + Kilian Connan
