Matières sensibles

Protecting the living world is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. Yet the illegal trade in animal and plant species remains one of the largest forms of trafficking after drugs and weapons.

In addition to live wild species, this trafficking is concealed in works of art and contemporary artworks, as well as in everyday objects. In response to this challenge, local, national and international laws are being implemented. Individuals and organizations are also taking action to protect biodiversity.

The exhibition “Matières sensibles” will bring together a selection of ethnographic objects and contemporary creations from the Mucem collections and various lenders, to question the provenance of the animal and plant materials used.

What is the origin of the species used? Under what conditions are their circulation and acquisition legal? What tools are being implemented to combat this trafficking? What legal and ethical issues are raised?

Julie Durin, head of computerized collections management and inventories at Mucem Constance Jame, PhD in art history from Heidelberg University and provenance researcher