Vigneron believed it was important, rather than merely showcasing data, to offer an immersive journey through women’s lives. Cartier chose to do this by highlighting three remarkable individuals and inviting visitors to walk in their footsteps, experiencing the pivotal moments that shaped them into who they are today.
Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto’s pathway is represented by a series of mirrored spaces that reflect how she has navigated success in what is still a male-led industry in Japan and share her conviction that writing has been her life’s guiding force. Poet and scientist Emi Mahmoud’s section pulses with the vibrant colours of her native Sudan, where she is an activist and advocate for refugees and education in conflict zones. And Mexican climate activist Xiye Bastida’s space connects visitors with urgent environmental concerns, using contrasting elements—serene images of myths and the sound of flooding—to demonstrate how the climate crisis affects us all, albeit unequally.
“What I find interesting is that you have three completely different women, with different backgrounds, different ages, different cultures, and yet there is a form of universality in their story that anybody can relate to,” says Vigneron. “It’s about finding your own inner strength, finding your own voice and finding a way to express it.”
After experiencing these powerful narratives, visitors enter a space called “MA”, drawing on the Japanese concept of a meaningful pause or interval, where visitors can process and reflect on what they saw. This contemplation deepens as visitors move into the next section, where interactive displays present crucial data about gender inequality worldwide.
AloJapan.com