Starting this week, Geneva is hosting the exhibition: God(s), instructions manual; an educational and artistic journey into the world of religions. A free exhibition for all audiences, where prestigious museum pieces, humble everyday objects, photos, videos, music and artistic installations converge. And even a play.
Dieu(x) modes d'emploi, an exhibition on religions that does not deal with theology or history, but rather with contemporary religious practice. It crosses the three religions of the Book (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), the Asian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism) and animism, from Africa to Oceania and the Americas.
The exhibition presents religious experience, in its universal (its questions) and particular (its multiple practices) aspects, by approaching religion from a secular perspective. Both scholarly and artistic, God(s) instructions for use will reveal the great diversity but also the similarities that religious practices present through nearly 200 objects, collectibles and photographs, multimedia installations and interview recordings. A twenty-minute play performed at the heart of the exhibition completes the picture: written by the Belgian writer and filmmaker Philippe Blasband, and directed by Michel Kacenelenbogen, it will address the theme of religious violence.
At the time of its creation, the exhibition was validated by an experienced scientific committee chaired by the historian and essayist Elie Barnavi, Professor Emeritus of Modern Western History at Tel Aviv University and specialist in 16th century religious wars. Conceived under the direction of the Tempora company and the Museum of Europe, the exhibition aims to show the richness of the modes of expression of the faith, to inform about religious reality, but also to promote a climate of freedom of conscience and belief while strengthening knowledge of the various approaches to religious facts.
A bas les cieux - Najika Mouche
Dieu(x) modes d'emploi, an international success
First presented in 2006 in Brussels, this temporary exhibition was a remarkable success when it was adapted in Spain (Centro Cultural de la Villa de Madrid, 2007), Canada (Musée de la Civilisation à Québec, 2011, Musée canadien des Civilisations à Ottawa, 2012), France (Musée du Petit Palais - Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, 2012) and Poland (Musée d'Ethnographie de Varsovie, 2013).
In Geneva, Dieu(x) modes d'emploi, gives substance to the law on the secular nature of the State, particularly in the context of public information, the teaching of religious facts, interreligious dialogue and the fight against sectarian aberrations.
In order to adapt its content to the historical and contemporary challenges of Geneva and Switzerland, an association has been set up. Chaired by Mrs Isabelle Graesslé, theologian and former Director of the International Museum of Reform, it includes a representative of the State of Geneva, Mr André Castella, Deputy Secretary General of the Department of Security, Employment and Health, the Director General of Palexpo, Mr Claude Membrez and Mr Roger Mayou, Director of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
Holy water
Practical information
DIEU(X) MODES D’EMPLOI
L’expérience Religieuse Aujourd’hui
Genève, Palexpo Halle 7
11 October 2019 to 19 January 2020
Free entrance
www.expo-dieux.ch
Dieu(x) modes d’emploi, an initiative of the Association "Exposition Dieu(x) modes d'emploi à Genève", with the support of the Loterie Romande and private partners.
