Artists in residence

The Nonument Group is a research and art collective that deals with processes of remembering and oblivion in space through the notion of nonuments – architecture, monuments, public spaces, infrastructure – whose meaning has transformed as a result of social or political change. In the process, the group has established a register of nonuments, organized field events, and explored diverse strategies to create artistic interventions that interrogate the meaning of heritage in space through the experience of the present.

The Nonument Group is formed by Neja Tomšič, Martin Bricelj Baraga, Nika Grabar and Miloš Kosec. In their projects, they collaborate internationally with a number of co-creators, researchers and artists. In 2019, they received the Plečnik medal, the highest national award in the field of architecture, for their contribution to enrichment of architectural culture.

INTERVIEW

What are the benefits of a residency in Montmartre, at the Cité internationale des arts?

“The Cité internationale des arts is a perfect environment to meet many people. They can be professional thanks to visits to workshops and open studios organized, but also and especially friendly, between residents. Real friendships were born from my residence, and a collaboration began through a coffee discussion with my neighbour and friend, Jeanne Berbinau-Aubry.

In Montmartre in particular, we benefit from an ideal and rare setting: the scale of the site (we are much less numerous than in Pont-Marie) and its layout allow for an almost community life where meetings are encouraged, and with them exchanges, discussions and collaborations. Apart from this aspect, the Cité is an incredible opportunity for artists and especially young artists, who are often very precarious. For most of us, it would be almost impossible to live and work in Paris, when this is where it all happens.”

Last April, you presented your work as part of “Bad Girls Do It It Well” on the Marais à la Cité site, your feedback on this experience?

“For the residents participating in this exhibition, there was a before and after Bad Girls, since even though we already knew each other, it allowed us to spend time together, share our work and really get to know each other – this event brought a group together. We still exchange every day on our discussion group, and it certainly won’t stop with the end of our residences!”

BIOGRAPHY

After graduating in Philosophy and Geography in 2010, Rebecca Topakian then turned to photography and, after a year of training at the ENS Louis Lumière, joined ENSP Arles, from which she graduated in 2015.

Her work has been part of several group exhibitions, including at the Rencontres d’Arles, at Agnès B. and at the Filles du Calvaire in 2015. Her recent research will be the subject of a solo exhibition at the French Cultural Centre in Freiburg, Germany in 2016 as part of the Mulhouse Biennale.
Rebecca Topakian lives and works in Paris, she is a member of the studio hans lucas since 2016.