From December 6, 2024 to May 4, 2025, the Abattoirs museum in Toulouse (Haute-Garonne) will host a unique exhibition of its kind: “The Imaginary Museum of Oli”, an artistic immersion imagined entirely by the Toulouse rapper Oli (from the group Bigflo and Oli), reports Toulouse News . The artist, known for his poetic texts and his attachment to his hometown, this time slips into the role of exhibition curator, an unexpected facet of his talent.
An art enthusiast
Les Abattoirs, an emblem of contemporary art in Toulouse, therefore decided to offer Oli the opportunity to occupy the four rooms on the ground floor. Passionate about art since childhood, the artist, whose real name is Olivio Ordonez, has carefully selected works from the museum's collections and his own inspirations. “I was lucky enough to be able to dig through the reserves, hang up the paintings that I like, write texts alongside them”he shared in an Instagram post.
The exhibition combines iconic works by Joan Miró, Andy Warhol and Pierre Soulages with creations by graffiti artists like Reso and Invader. It reflects themes dear to Oli: childhood, family, Toulouse and art accessible to all. Visitors will be able to discover videos, sculptures, new performances, and even an exclusive piece composed for the occasion.
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Conferences, workshops, concerts…
Beyond the works, “The Imaginary Museum of Oli” will also offer five months of events: concerts, workshops, conferences and open stages. Some conferences and masterclasses will even be hosted by the rapper himself. And to end the initiative in style, festivities will be organized on May 4, 2025.
“Oli’s Imaginary Museum” is far from being the first event orchestrated by Oli. With his brother Florian Ordonez, they are notably at the origin of the Rose Festival, which each year offers Toulouse residents a series of concerts with artists as varied as they are talented.
