Exhibition at the Musée de Carouge «Ma vie de Courgette, on vous dit tout!»

In mid-May, I visited the new exhibition at the Musée de Carouge “Ma vie de Courgette, on vous dit tout!” which runs until 20 August 2017.

I loved it a lot. It was a rainy and grey day, but I do think that the sun always seems to shine down on Carouge, no matter what the weather is doing. This neighbourhood is a “must see”, just like this museum which exhibits works of local artists.

I went all by myself to learn more about the film by Claude Barras “My Life as a Zucchini”, a worldwide success which has won many major cinematographic awards.

The exhibition presents the “backstage” of this Franco-Swiss production. Step by step, the exhibition reveals the construction of this animation film shot using the technique of stop-motion. It makes us understand by showing us the  production process: storyboard, sketches, costumes, sets, puppets and so on...

In the hall of the museum, a large panel with the main characters of the cartoon. There is a description of each one below.

Who is Courgette? 

Courgette (or Zucchini) was nicknamed Courgette by his deceased mother. He is nice, but doesn’t let anyone tread on his toes. He is a little boy with big eyes and blue hair who, having become orphaned, is placed in an orphanage named the Foyer des Fontaines. Gradually he conquers the whole planet!

The success of the film lies in its sincerity and poetry. The tenderness and humour of the different characters shine through.  Although dark and sad at the beginning, it shows the adaptability of the hero and his friends as well as their optimism.

The author’s message is: “My life as a Zucchimi is a tribute to all children who are alone or in difficulty, with hope as the key.” 

We can see various drawings and scale models.

Ahmed: is a kind boy. He was placed in the home after his father committed a hold-up and his mother abandoned him.

Aunt Ida: Camille’s aunt is a vulgar, lying and selfish woman.

Madame Papineau: the Director of the Foyer des Fontaines, has severe airs, but she proves to be of great generosity.

Office of Mme Papineau.

Rosy: a dynamic, jovial, generous and protective educator! The children will learn that she has a lover and that she has just become a mum.

Gendarme Raymond: a policeman with a big heart.

The canteen of the Foyer des Fontaines.

The boys’ dormitory in the Foyer des Fontaines.

Classroom at the Foyer des Fontaines. 

Chalet in the mountains.

Walls of a room.

Foyer des Fontaines, seen from the outside.

Musée de Carouge

Place de Sardaigne 2

1227 Carouge

Entrance Free

Tuesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 18:00