The photo exhibition "Mimesis: nature inspiring technology", a dreamlike and unusual journey to the heart of the Arts et Métiers district

The exhibition, made up of 13 thematic triptychs, invites people walking by to explore the aesthetic connections between nature and the technological innovation of yesterday and today. Through the prism of the camera lens, the ingenuity of the mineral, plant and animal world resonates with the beauty of human inventions.

In addition to the wonder aroused by the beauty of the images, the exhibition highlights the advanced technologies developed by Safran of which the general public is largely unaware, as well as a few remarkable pieces at the museum that bear testament to the evolution of scientific knowledge and technical progress. In the wind or On the wire, A feast for the eyes and also Under hypnosis, from the Black series to Electric chlorophyll, these poetic trios intrigue as much as they invite you to take the time to observe and imagine.

The Mimesis photo competition, held by Safran in the autumn of 2020, was the catalyst for this exhibition. The participants were asked to immortalize the treasures of nature that evoke convergence with technology, whether real or imaginary. The three winners, the five winners of awards from Safran, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, Ceebios, Wipplay and Sciences et Avenir, as well as the jury's five favorites, are on show outside in dialogue with the unsuspected iconographic riches of Safran and the Musée des Arts et Métiers.

The 13 triptychs of the exhibition "Mimesis: nature inspiring technology"

Dans le vent ("In the wind") (1st prize) - Sur le fil ("On the wire") (2nd prize) - C’est le bouquet ("It's the crowning glory") (3rd prize) - Plein les yeux ("A feast for the eyes") (Sciences et Avenir special award) - Multi-taches ("Multi-tasks") (Safran special award) - Série noire ("Black series") (Musée des Arts et Métiers special award) - À tous les rayons ("All-encompassing") (Ceebios special award) - Sous surveillance ("Under surveillance") (Wipplay special award) - Jury favorites: Grands bleus ("Big blues") - Sous hypnose ("Under hypnosis") - Entre ciel et terre ("Between sky and earth") - À vue d’œil ("Before your very eyes") - Chlorophylle électrique ("Electric chlorophyll").

The Mimesis contest

Run from September 2 to November 4, 2020, the Mimesis photo contest, held for Safran in partnership with Sciences et Avenir and the Musée des Arts et Métiers, was an invitation to immortalize – from both near and far – the treasures of nature that evoke convergence and resonance with technology, whether real or imaginary. Dragonfly wings, granite striations, insect alveoli, crystals, spider silk, jellyfish propulsion, the undulation of the waves... Since the beginning of life on Earth nearly four billion years ago, plants, animals, and minerals have developed remarkable shapes, substances and systems that are capable of incredible things: breathing, illuminating their surroundings, warming up their temperature, withstanding harsh environments, and even flying. Certain structures, textures, organizations and high-technology inventions seem directly inspired by nature.