La trêve by Sophie Comtet Kouyaté

The artist Sophie Comtet Kouyaté is taking over the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis with an installation entitled "La Trêve", combining photographs and textiles. A series of portraits, photographic frescoes and monumental costumes inspired by the world of the ancient Greek Olympic Games and linked to the architectural and historical elements of one of the most emblematic monuments in French history.

"La Trêve" immerses us in the dreamlike world of the Ancient Olympic Games. In ancient times, wars and fights between peoples were interrupted for the duration of the Olympic Games. Sophie Comtet Kouyaté uses large frescoes, banners, flags and medallions to bring together scenes and characters that evoke the sport of the ancient Olympics, a free interpretation of the emblematic figures of Greek social life at the time of the first games in Olympia.

A participatory installation

Forty residents of Saint-Denis and Aubervilliers of all ages and eight Olympic and Paralympic athletes are the characters in the "La Trêve" installation. Some of these athletes are multiple Olympic medallists or participants in the 2024 Olympic Games, such as Paméra Losange (athletics), Yvan Wouandji Kepmegni (cecifoot), Aladji Ba (sprint), Cédric Nankin (wheelchair rugby), Mamady Traoré (wheelchair basketball) and Alex Adélaïde (para-athletics).

The photos were taken during a series of workshops held during the school holidays with young residents of Aubervilliers, giving participants the opportunity to meet new people, discover new professions and take part in the creative process.

Young people, adults and sportsmen and women live together in the frescoes, which are metaphors for the towns of Aubervilliers and Saint-Denis today. Portraits come to life on an immersive journey, where symbolic objects, wall jewellery, wreaths, lecterns, busts and medals interact with the liturgical elements of the cathedral basilica of Saint-Denis.