Take a walk in the woods… An invitation launched by the Rouen Normandy Metropolis, which is behind the second edition of the Monumental Forest, which will take up residence this Saturday, June 28 until September 2026 in the heart of the 4,000 ha of the Roumare state forest, on the heights of Rouen (Seine-Maritime), and more precisely in Canteleu.
The principle? A mix of nature and culture on a completely free 4 km route punctuated by thirteen XXL works by national and international artists. “We could even say that there are 52 because each season they each offer a totally different aspect”, assures Cristina Algarra, the exhibition curator who, as part of a jury, selected the artists from 326 proposals from all over the world. It must be said that with more than 400,000 visitors during its first edition, this project has shown that it could shine well beyond Normandy.
An impressive giant
Among the most spectacular installations, that of the Dane Thomas Dambo is undoubtedly the one that will leave its mark. His “giant”, surrounded by a village of huts, immerses the visitor in a fairy tale atmosphere, between Gulliver or Jack and the Beanstalk. “When I build my works, I try to rediscover the spirit I had at ten years old and to imagine what a child might feel when he discovers them. I want it to be magical for him. And ultimately for me too”, summarizes Thomas Dambo, happy to know that his giant must remain in place even after the festival is over. “There are only the screws that I bought. Otherwise, everything else is made from recycled materials, wood, etc.” Only the giant’s head was made in Denmark and shipped with a few decorative elements. For the rest, he and his team took a little over two weeks to build this spectacular ensemble. “I always want to make huts like when I used to walk with my friends, on bikes, in the forest. The only thing is that today I have 25 people to help me!”
Another installation that should not leave you indifferent is that of the Plastiqueurs collective, from the local area. With “Origine”, it is a real faceted “egg”, very disco, which was planted there, playing both on the reflection of the person who turns it and on the flashes of light that it sends onto the surrounding vegetation. On a bike ride with his grandson, this hiker who is a regular here admits his pleasure in rediscovering this forest that he knows so well thanks to the work of these artists. “There is a poetic and playful side at the same time. I hope that it can attract people who are not used to walking in nature and make them want to come back”. More like twice than once.
More information on www.laforetmonumentale.frMany activities are organized this opening weekend, including an outdoor concert by the Rouen Opera Orchestra this Sunday, June 30 at 6 p.m.
