The museum Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (mYSLm) has opened a new exhibition titled "Sur les traces d'Odette du Puigaudeau," which will run from October 3, 2026, to March 7, 2027. The exhibition features over 200 works and documents that highlight the life and career of Odette du Puigaudeau, a naturalist artist, stylist, and journalist. Born in 1894, du Puigaudeau built a remarkable career without formal academic training, guided by her experiences and observations in various fields.
Du Puigaudeau's journey took her to different parts of the world, including the deserts of North Africa, where she spent five years immersed in Saharan communities. Her experiences and observations during this period formed an essential part of her work, as she studied the ways of life, objects, clothing, and traditions of these communities. Her notebooks, drawings, and photographs provide valuable documentation on these cultures, which she published in several books, including "Pieds nus à travers la Mauritanie" and "Le Sel du désert."
The exhibition is divided into three sections: "De Saint-Nazaire à Paris, 1894-1934," "En route vers les déserts, 1934-1961," and "Rabat, dernier port d'attache, 1961-1991." These sections trace du Puigaudeau's life and career, from her early days in Saint-Nazaire to her later years in Rabat, where she directed the prehistory department at the Museum of Antiquities from 1970 to 1977. The exhibition features over 200 photographs, drawings, manuscripts, objects, sound archives, and documentary film excerpts.
The exhibition includes works from various collections, including the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, the Jardin Majorelle Foundation, and private collections. Some of the notable pieces on display include original drawings, watercolors, and plates created by du Puigaudeau, as well as objects related to the nomadic cultures she studied. The exhibition provides a unique insight into the life and work of this remarkable woman, who defied conventions and pursued her passions with determination and courage.
Du Puigaudeau's work is particularly notable for its documentation of the cultures of the Sahara region. Her experiences in Morocco, particularly in the southern part of the country, played a significant role in shaping her work. In 1937, she visited Tiznit and explored the Tamanart valley and Foum el Hassan, where she discovered ancient rock engravings. Her work in Morocco continued until her later years, when she was based in Rabat.
The exhibition "Sur les traces d'Odette du Puigaudeau" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of this extraordinary woman. Through her art, writings, and experiences, du Puigaudeau left an indelible mark on our understanding of the cultures of North Africa. The exhibition is a testament to her legacy and a celebration of her contributions to the fields of art, journalism, and ethnology.
The exhibition will run for five months, offering visitors a chance to explore the life and work of Odette du Puigaudeau in depth. With its diverse collection of works and documents, the exhibition is set to be a highlight of the cultural calendar in Marrakech. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with du Puigaudeau's remarkable story and appreciate her contributions to the world of art and culture.
Key points
- The exhibition features over 200 works and documents showcasing Odette du Puigaudeau's life and career.
- Du Puigaudeau spent five years immersed in Saharan communities, studying their cultures and ways of life.
- The exhibition is divided into three sections tracing du Puigaudeau's life and career from 1894 to 1991.
