Today, we are thrilled to talk to Madeleine Oltra & Angelo de Taisne, a French duo of designers and interior architects. Together, they will create a narrative space for the  CURATED section 2024 chaired and curated by Lebanese Rotterdam-based curator and educator, Rawad Baaklini, around the curatorial statement: 'A Public Display of Affection'.

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COLLECTIBLE: How would you describe your approach to set design? What are the milestones of your style that we will see at COLLECTIBLE?

Madeleine Oltra & Angelo de Taisne: We love telling stories. 

We perceive set design as a unifying force, crafting scenarios that ignite tension and dialogue among previously unacquainted objects. The thematic direction chosen by Rawad Baaklini for this year's curated section, 'A Public Display of Affection,' resonates deeply with us, as it offers both relatability and intriguing possibilities when viewed through the lens of design scenography. Our aim is to embody this theme through a playful yet sensual and dramatic interpretation.

C: What is your vision regarding the dialogue between exhibitors and visitors? Do you believe that set design can help create an environment where both parties feel welcomed and well-presented?

MO & ADT: Much like films, music, and literature, set design has the power to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere to narrate a story. We tell tales not only to impart information but also to captivate and connect. Within the realm of storytelling, fiction seamlessly intertwines with reality. When a friend, lover, or stranger shares a story, it evokes vivid imagery of places, sounds, and characters. Through our designs, architectures, and scenographies, we strive to convey imaginative realms that invite open interpretation by all.

C: What do you consider the main challenge in devising a scenography that aligns with the curatorial statement and the selected objects? How do you approach this challenge in your creative process?

MO & ADT: The primary challenge lies in illuminating each unique work featured in this section. With their distinct narratives, processes, and materials, absorbing them all at once can be overwhelming. This underscores the importance of storytelling through scenography. It paves a path for the viewer to traverse, offering a comprehensible glimpse into the mise en scène—a fleeting moment captured from a cinematic or dreamlike experience entitled 'A Public Display of Affection'.