Ataraxia
Salade Supreme : 11 members, 2017
A collective of artists, crafters and designers. Originally from the Minimes neighborhood of Toulouse, France. They use their talents through different art projects. Their ethical and responsible approach allowed them, while partnering with Mister Freeze, to transform a whole house into a masterpiece.
The Sozinho association reached out to Salade Supreme to transform a house in the city center of the pink city. This mansion, doomed to be taken down at the end of the summer 2024, has undergone an unfathomable transformation. The artists were able to convert the premises into a universe that feels utterly out of time. “Chez Babayaga”.
The former owner of the place lived between these walls until her passing. She had lost her husband early on in life and is said to have lived in this residence until the very end. The demolition is set to take place in September 2024.
The story of Babayaga
Baba Yaga is the witch coming from the Nordic folklore. Numerous stories are being told about her, some good and some bad. The said witch would help deserving people on one hand but would also be rumored to abduct children and devour them on the other hand. Living in the woods, she rejects societal norms and lives on her own terms and desires. She is a mythological figure who endured in time and is now showing up in the heart of Toulouse.
Our look on the exhibition
The first thing that I would like to point out is the outstanding work realized by all the artists who have contributed to the transformation of this mansion. Each artist has found a way to sublime this house by exploiting their own style to highlight the theme of the mysterious witch. My biggest heartstopper remains the front face of the house itself with vibrant colors, not without reminiscing the Addams Family manor. Composed of three floors, it has been decorated in every possible corner. On the second floor, a construction that appears just as technical as it is impressive on the eye, could very well be Babayaga’s hut itself. On the first floor, the rooms are just as intricately detailed with a dark bathroom, for example, covered in what appears to be Scandinavian dialect writings on the walls. On the ground floor, we find more incredible stylized rooms as well as a shop promoting the artists who have worked on the transformation and their art. At the beating heart of this mansion, we find drawings inspired by childhood themes, like animated movies (and “Up” for example) and such but also much darker rooms with somber pieces not without reminding us of a witch’s altar.
This setting is perfect to showcase local artists and beyond. The only remaining question is: why not make this project permanent? It is a perfect setting to have a drink this summer and the event contributed to promoting young and emerging artists. For latecomers, you have until July 20th to visit.
Babayaga is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm.
114 rue de Cugnaux 31300 Toulouse
Subway Stop : Saint Cyprien or Arenes (Line A)
