At NOMAD Abu Dhabi, Galerie Gastou unveils a poetic and fantastical universe through a scenography conceived by Joy Herro, inspired by the mysterious phenomenon of the Fata Morgana. An exceptional ensemble of works by Irene Cattaneo takes centre stage, entering into dialogue with historical and contemporary creations by Philippe Hiquily, François-Xavier Lalanne, Emmanuel Babled, Jean-Claude Farhi, Emmanuel Jonckers, Béatrice Serre and Omar Chakil.

A Fata Morgana is an extraordinary optical phenomenon in which distant landscapes appear to float, stretch and transform along the horizon. Named after Morgan le Fay, the enchantress of Arthurian legend, it has long fascinated poets and artists, suggesting a world suspended between reality and illusion. In this shifting landscape, familiar forms become mysterious apparitions, inviting the imagination to discover what lies beyond the visible.

At the heart of the exhibition, Irene Cattaneo presents a unique constellation of sculptural works, immersing visitors in her enchanting and deeply personal universe. Her creations seem to emerge from an imaginary garden, where flowers become luminous creatures, delicate forms acquire an unsettling presence, and nature transforms into something both magical and surreal. Between innocence and mystery, her works evoke forgotten dreams and fantastical tales, blurring the boundaries between sculpture, furniture and living organisms. Each piece carries its own poetry, inviting contemplation and awakening a sense of wonder.

Surrounding this extraordinary ensemble, Galerie Gastou brings together a remarkable selection of historical masterpieces and contemporary works, each revealing its own relationship with fantasy and the unexpected. From the playful surrealism of Philippe Hiquily and François-Xavier Lalanne to the sculptural experiments of Jean-Claude Farhi, from the expressive materials of Emmanuel Babled and Emmanuel Jonckers to the poetic visions of Béatrice Serre and Omar Chakil, these creations transcend their original functions to become extraordinary presences. Together, they celebrate the imagination, audacity and freedom that have always defined the spirit of Galerie Gastou.

Within Joy Herro’s scenography, these different artistic worlds converge into a singular, dreamlike landscape, where historical and contemporary creations seem to belong to the same fantastical narrative. Like a Fata Morgana, the exhibition reveals another possible reality, a place where objects become apparitions, materials turn into poetry, and the boundaries between art, nature and imagination quietly disappear.