In spring 2024 the workteam consisting of Jean-Yves Barrier, architect, Hervé-Armand Béchy, art theoritician and Martina Giezen-Wagenaar, owner of château de Magny made their proposal public for the preservation of château de Magny in relation with its cultural destination. In the following text we inform you of our first ideas and thoughts for an in between project. Research is going on for the definite plan.
Our proposal consists of an art and architecture project based on the reality of the place,
its history and on the art interventions realised in Magny since 1989 with well-known international artists as Luc Deleu, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Richard Long, Jean LeGac,
John Körmeling and Krijn Giezen. It is not a proposal for quick repairs, it goes further.
– With respect for the composition of the building we wish to make its proportions visible,
and even emphasise them. This will have an esthetical and also educational effect.
– For the reconstruction of the roof we intend to use white iron sheets. The colour white because it evokes the image of a white page, the idea of something new, a beginning.
This creative approach will give a strong identity to the building.
The white colour also makes it possible to adapt the building to climate changes, as dark surfaces attract heat.
– The windows which are burnt or need repair will be covered with white sheets.
These sheets will close off the building and at the same time can be used for projections, inside as well as outside.
All windows will be covered, except for the central front faces of north and south facade, there the windows and French doors will be restored.
– The inner space will keep its patine as an expression of time which goes by, its history and circumstances. The ruined side, which would need an entire reconstruction, will remain open, only closed off by the roof. The inner walls without decors can be used for installations and projections. Temporary exhibitions will take place with international artists.
Works by Krijn Giezen are permanently on show and in relation with his work meetings
will be organised on subjects as land art, ecology, recycling, climate change and rise of the sea level, subjects which occur in his work.
All this will make château de Magny into a unique place, not only on a local or national level, but also internationally. Our in between project will give a strong identity to château de Magny and underline its destination as a place for visual arts