Claire Tabouret's Stained-Glass Windows Bring Modern Flair to Notre Dame
Five years after a devastating fire nearly destroyed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, artist Claire Tabouret is at the centre of a bold artistic revival. Selected from over 100 applicants, Tabouret has designed six new stained-glass windows for the cathedral, which reopened in 2024. Her work, with an estimated cost of €4 million (£3.3 million), aims to fulfil French President Emmanuel Macron's promise of a 'contemporary gesture' in the rebuilding process.
A Controversial Project Amidst Historic Restoration
Tabouret's inclusion in this historic project has sparked significant debate. While Macron and Paris's archbishop have expressed strong support, the plan has also triggered protests, petitions, and accusations of cultural vandalism. Critics argue that integrating modern art into a medieval landmark disrupts its spiritual and historical integrity. However, Tabouret remains unfazed by the backlash, noting that many detractors have not thoroughly examined her designs.
She explains, 'These are people who hate the project, no matter what. They didn't even really look at the designs. They go on their computers to spread hate, but you can see from the messages they write that they don't really know what it's about.' In contrast, she has received considerable positive feedback, which she finds encouraging.
Tabouret's Artistic Journey and Inspiration
Before this high-profile commission, Tabouret was known primarily within art circles, with admirers like French tycoon François Pinault. Her recent solo retrospective, 'Weaving Waters, Weaving Gestures', at the Museum Voorlinden in the Netherlands, showcases her versatility across mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The exhibition highlights her intense use of colour and exploration of identity, themes that resonated with the Notre Dame jury.
Tabouret's designs for the windows focus on the Pentecost, a biblical event marking the descent of the Holy Spirit. She created 60 sketches for the project, delving deeply into the theme's symbolism of fire, wind, a dove, and the breath of God. Her figurative approach, featuring vibrant landscapes and groups of people, breaks from France's traditional preference for abstract public art.
'It's not very French to change stuff,' she observes, 'so I thought that interesting as well as brave and fresh. They specifically wanted figurative painting, which also isn't very French. France really loves abstract projects in public spaces so this was very different.'
Technical Execution and Public Display
The stained-glass windows are being crafted at the historic Atelier Simon-Marq in Reims, a workshop with nearly 400 years of experience, having collaborated with artists like Marc Chagall and Joan Miró. Each window comprises about 50 pieces of stained glass, with Tabouret using Plexiglas and monotype printing techniques to develop the designs.
Currently, her window models are on display at the Grand Palais in Paris in an exhibition titled 'D'un seul souffle' (With One Breath), offering the public a glimpse into the creative process before installation at Notre Dame later this year. Tabouret was granted complete artistic freedom by church authorities, with the only restriction being to avoid disturbing the cathedral's inner 'white light'.
Balancing Heritage and Innovation
Tabouret advocates for a dynamic approach to heritage, arguing that historic buildings like Notre Dame should evolve with new artistic layers. 'When you live in a country with so much history, so much architecture and heritage you cannot just freeze time,' she states. 'The question is, how do we create a harmonious dialogue between new layers in buildings like Notre Dame that are made of layers? If you stop those layers it makes no sense in my opinion.'
Despite the controversy, Tabouret's work represents a significant moment in the intersection of art, religion, and history. Her retrospective at Museum Voorlinden runs until 25 May, further cementing her role as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. As Notre Dame continues its restoration, Tabouret's windows will serve as a testament to the ongoing dialogue between past and present in one of the world's most iconic cathedrals.
