"Effleurement" by Christophe Gonnet

"Effleurement" is an art installation by Christophe Gonnet—a 42-meter-long terracotta footbridge integrated into a preserved natural site on the ruins of the Tuilerie Niollet quarry.

Description of the work

• Creator: Christophe Gonnet.
• Title: Effleurement (part of the Échelle 1.1 program "Effleurement et Affleurement").
• Year: June 2008, created during a residency in the Pays Horte et Tardoire region.
• Characteristics: The footbridge allows visitors to explore the site and discover an exceptional natural environment, fostering tranquility and biodiversity thanks to the materials used and the highlighting of mineral elements under the influence of water and sunlight.

Context and Environment

• The work is situated on the remains of a clay quarry once operated for the Niollet Tile Factory.
• It invites visitors to an immersive experience in a preserved natural environment, raising awareness of biodiversity and environmental conservation.
• The installation emphasizes the interaction between art and nature, where water, sunlight, and mineral elements actively contribute to the site’s aesthetic.

The artwork is open to the public for walking and observing the site’s natural elements. It serves as an example of art in nature and the revitalization of industrial heritage transformed into an artistic and ecological space.

To visit "Effleurement," we recommend taking a stroll along the footbridge to explore the site as a whole and observe how the artwork interacts with the quarry’s natural and historical landscape.