From October 6 to January 13, 2013, the town of Lille in France plays host to 500 events aimed at blanketing the city in a sense of surreal wonder. Called "Fantastic," the artistic venture kicked off with a dramatic opening parade. It will go on to include exhibitions, shows, and other acts of what organizers call "urban metamorphoses." How else, really, can one describe a U.F.O. hovering in the train station, or an inverted house sprouting out of the grass in a public square? As simply put in the event's official program, "Fantastic is about turning everything fantastic."
Here's a look at some snapshots from the opening-night parade.
Chicago-based artist Nick Cave, known for the Sound Suits he's employed at events like the Museum of Contemporary Art's 2012 Midwinter Benefit, created a giant figure to hover above the procession of the opening parade. Called "Surrational," the figure was made of raffia. Parade-goers were encouraged to dress in costume, and sewing workshops took place throughout the city in the days leading up the event to help visitors create suits inspired by another Nick Cave character, "Venusian."
Photo: Maxime Dufor Photographies
Digital mapping on Notre Dame de la Treille was a show in itself. The mapping displayed everything from large hands appearing to sketch the building to leafy green plants sprouting out of the facade. At the end, the church lit up like a pinball machine in bright colors. Throughout the show, sound effects included church bells, ghostly-sounding choirs, and creaky doors.
Photo: Maxime Dufor Photographies
A massive, four-sided stage housed a mist-shrouded fashion show for designer Jean-Charles de Catelbajac. DJ Mr NĂ´ spun, and models appeared on giant screens overlooking the city square. Along with bright, avant-garde clothing, models wore headpieces that resembled everything from yellow mouse ears to green skulls; some wore Day of the Dead-style makeup.
Photo: Maxime Dufor Photographies
Mist and fireworks added to the dreamy, dramatic atmosphere. Throughout the display, the Orchestre National de Lille played music from composers such as Stravinsky.
Photo: Maxime Dufor Photographies
