mural

The art piece

The work ‘Voilier’ is part of a participatory urban art performance to be staged during the Fête du Livre 2022 in St-Pierre-de-Clages, the Swiss book village. Conceived by poet Alcina Ribeiro Hamdi and artist-curator Jasm One, this letter hunt invites visitors to explore the village and discover letters hidden in emblematic locations. Each letter, made from a variety of materials including wood, fabric and helium-filled balloons, forms an immersive, interactive trail.

Participants, young and old, are challenged to reconstruct the word ‘Voilier’ (sailboat) by following clues. This word, rich in evocations of travel, freedom and discovery, is a poetic metaphor linking water, writing and adventure. The route passes through sites such as the church, the tourist office and the gardens of artist François Pont, creating a veritable exploration of the village.

Although most of the letters were ephemeral, a lasting trace remains visible with the letter “O” created as a mural. Playing with form and word, this work forged links between art, community and the village’s heritage, offering a unique experience for local residents and the 10,000 visitors to the event.