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The inaugural YES masterclass, hosted by TALM, was held in the Tours area, France. This event successfully brought together contemporary sculpture’s evolving production and reflection issues within the unique context of the Loire riverbanks landscape. The site served as a foundational backdrop, inspiring analytical and critical insights into the implementation of dialogues and transcriptions surrounding sculptural gestures and forms.

This masterclass was an endeavor to foster “society” through artistic exploration. Drawing inspiration from the writings of Bruno Latour and a re-examination of Gaston Bachelard’s texts—particularly his focus on the four elements—the program centered on four sensitive points: air, earth, water, and fire. Accordingly, the first masterclass of the Young European Sculpture project was structured around four workshops, each dedicated to one of these elements. These workshops were expertly guided by Cécile Hartmann, Vincent Voillat, Cyril Zarcone, and Thierry Mouillé, all professors from TALM-Tours’ Sculpture Department.

Students engaged in a unique and ecologically preserved environment at La Rabouilleuse, École de Loire, immersing themselves in nature. They actively fostered a dialogue between theoretical perspectives, technical approaches, and learning methods pertinent to defining contemporary sculpture on a European scale. Professors from partner schools contributed significantly by observing, collecting, and producing elements that further enriched these experiences.

Participants were encouraged to work with elements from the landscape and engage in shared moments, addressing specific challenges inherent in contemporary sculptural practice. These included considerations of materials, circulation, artwork scales, perpetuation, integration into the social fabric, mediation, and experience. The masterclass concluded with participants presenting their insights and creations, providing a valuable account of the experiences gathered throughout the week. This event proved to be a rewarding experience filled with encounters, discussions, reflections, and artistic creations.

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