From 14 June to 17 August 2025, Botanique in Brussels presents Biomimetic Stories Part II, a new cycle of augmented reality films by French artist Pierre Jean Giloux, exploring themes from the life sciences.
About
At the crossroads of documentary, science and science fiction, the Biomimetic Stories project envisions new relationships that might emerge in the near future between cities, nature and biotechnology. Blending real and virtual imagery, this body of work unfolds through four speculative fictions set in four Indian cities. One of the major questions raised by the climate emergency concerns the role of science and technology: can we still trust them? Can they still help build the world of tomorrow—or have they become, through their own acceleration, a kind of mirage? These are questions that resonate in both scientific and artistic spheres, and they lie at the heart of this new cycle. The project began during Giloux’s residency in India, where he attended the « Metagreen Dimensions 2020 » conference at the College of Architecture in Trivandrum. The event addressed the climatic, economic and urban challenges facing India, while also exploring the potential of biomimicry. Inspired by this convergence of utopia, living systems and technological innovation applied to urbanism, Giloux began collaborating with a French biotech laboratory to develop the Biomimetic Stories tetralogy. Presented as an immersive multi-screen and sound installation, the work offers a non-linear experience that invites visitors to move freely through the space. The juxtaposition of images gives each viewer the freedom to invent and assemble their own narrative. The four films—BioluminescenTTower (2025), Madurai (2024), Pirana Dump Yard (2022), and Dholera (2024)—range from 3 to 11 minutes in length and combine real footage with digital visual and sound creations. The installation also includes 18 storyboard drawings and a site-specific sound composition created in collaboration with composer Lionel Marchetti, designed specifically for the Museum space at Botanique.
-- Opening on 13 June 2025 from 18:00 to 21:00 -- Meeting between artist Pierre Jean Giloux and philosopher Elie During, presented by JAP (Youth and Plastic Arts) on 17 June 2025 from 19:00 in the exhibition space -- Interactive Sunday on Sundays 15 June and 17 August 2025 from 14:00 to 16:00: discover the exhibition in the presence of our guide.
