Blave – Open Call
LdM Gallery, in collaboration with @dessine_moi_une_blave projects, promotes an Open Call for artworks for exhibition and archive
DESSINE MOI UNE BLAVE (Draw a blave for me)
@dessine_moi_une_blave is a project by Rachel Morellet & José Bréval.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said A. Einstein, “because knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, as imagination embraces the entire world. Imagination is the only thing that can open our minds and our hearts to the possible; it is what gives us the power to invent.”
The Story of the Blave – What?
Years ago, in the enchanting landscapes of the south of France, a whimsical tale began to weave its way into the hearts and minds of those who dared to listen. It all started with an evening among friends, where I, under the influence of the local Corbières wine or perhaps some hidden muse, shared a peculiar revelation.
In hushed tones, I spoke of a mystical being that materializes under specific conditions – a creature known only as the “Blave.” I illustrated rough shapes on the table, depicting Blaves emerging from space, the abyss, or the vastness of the ocean. Cryptic words accompanied these drawings, deepening the mystery.
However, skepticism hung heavy in the air, as my friends, their senses tinged with the taste of wine, questioned whether the Blave was a product of artistic grandstanding or a genuine creation of the imagination.
Time passed, and Rachel Morellet, a participant in that fateful evening, took it upon herself to breathe life into the elusive Blave. She initiated the “Dessine-moi une Blave” project – a collective endeavor inviting contributions from anyone willing to share their interpretation of this enigmatic creature.
The response was overwhelming. A multitude of drawings and texts poured in, offering diverse perspectives on what a Blave could be, its characteristics, actions, and more. The once-questionable existence of the Blave became a canvas for boundless creativity and imagination.
While the term “blave” may have an obscure origin in old French dictionaries, referring to a small pocket handkerchief floating on the sea waves, the project “Dessine-moi une Blave” has transformed it into a symbol of limitless possibility, sparking the evolution of a new fantastical species.
Now, as the collection of Blaves continues to grow, the question arises: What can we do?
In the realms of science, the Blave could inspire ecological studies, prompting researchers to explore the potential impact of this imaginary being on ecosystems. Could the Blave serve as a metaphor for the delicate balance of nature, encouraging environmental awareness and conservation efforts?
In the realm of art, the Blave could become a muse for various creative endeavors. Artists might find inspiration in the diverse interpretations, leading to exhibitions, performances, or even collaborative projects across different artistic disciplines. The Blave could transcend its fictional origins, becoming a symbol of unity through artistic expression.
Moreover, the Blave might serve as a catalyst for storytelling and literature, with writers crafting tales of Blaves exploring uncharted territories, encountering mythical creatures, or embarking on quests that mirror the collective human experience.
Ultimately, “Dessine-moi une Blave” has not merely birthed a creature; it has sparked a cultural phenomenon. The Blave, once a whisper in the wind, has grown into a shared creation that transcends the boundaries of imagination, inviting us all to explore the wonders of creativity, collaboration, and the limitless possibilities that lie within the realms of art and science.
Blave Project Objectives – Why?
The project is entitled “Dessine moi une Blave (Draw a blave for me)” in reference to The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The little prince asks the author to draw a sheep for him. As he did not know how to draw, and the boy insisted, the author drew a box, which had become a symbol of imagination. The little prince was happy; the sheep was in the box.
-The topic of the project is clearly imagination, this cognitive horizon that is unique for humans and that gave origin to inventions, creativity, and art at some point in our existence.
-We believe that the language of art can further develop, extend, and amplify any cultural or scientific study.
– We ask ourselves if it is possible to convey the creative power of imagination to the machines, some of the blaves were created with AI, and some not. In the era of AI, we ask ourselves what the difference is between the verbs: to create (give existence) and to generate (to produce).
-We would like to push human minds and spirits towards creativity, imagining new possibilities and scenarios that could also be useful in today’s society, necessitating change and positive inputs.
-We believe in the power of imagination and creativity to bring effective positive changes.
-We believe that imagination and creativity contribute to general and personal well-being.
-We believe that sharing moments of creativity and imagination helps with individual growth as well as with building a healthier society.
Who can participate? – Who?
A blave is a living and undefined thing; its appearance is unknown, but it does exist. It has nothing to do with flour or wheat in French, nor with bluff in English, or other definition in any language. Everyone has a blave at home. To participate, you just have to draw your blave/s on a support, take a good picture of it, and send it to [email protected] and in a private message, or tag #dessine_moi_une_blave on Instagram.
You can also bring your blave or a copy of it directly to the LdM Gallery, Via de’Pucci 4, Firenze, during its opening hours Mon/Wed 10 am-2 pm, Tue/Thu/Fri 4-7 pm.
Please note that:
The collected images will be part of the dessine_moi_une_blave Archive and are destined to be shown in exhibitions and publications.
Copyrights remain the property of the artists; however, images of the submitted works may be used by the authors of the project, in any way and for any purpose deemed appropriate for the promotion of the project, without any claim on your part, and for communication and advertising purposes.
Participation has no cost.
You can sign your blave or remain anonymous.
Deadline – When?
If you wish to participate with your blave in a selection for the exhibition in the LdM Gallery, the deadline for submission is October 7th; otherwise, you can send your blave anytime.
A selection of blaves will be exhibited during the exhibition opening at the LdM Gallery on October 23rd, 2025.
General info
Exhibition Title: Dessine moi une blave
Location: LDM Gallery, Via Dei Pucci 4 – Florence
Date: October 23rd until November 14th
Open: Mon/Wed 10 am-2 pm, Tue/Thu/Fri 4-7 pm
About LdM Gallery
The LdM Gallery is a project by Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici, an interdisciplinary space where academic research and artistic experimentation meet within a professional setting.
Every LdM Student, professor, or staff member can participate in this project!
The LdM Gallery is a project by Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici, an interdisciplinary space where academic research and artistic experimentation meet within a professional setting.