"Adventice," Carré Sainte-Anne, 2025

After seven years of renovation, Montpellier’s Carré Sainte-Anne reopens with a new exhibition by JR.

Adventice draws from a little-known chapter of the city’s history. In the Middle Ages, wool imported from Spain, North Africa, and beyond carried hidden seeds. These foreign seeds thrived in the Mediterranean climate, giving rise to France’s first botanical garden.

In botany, adventice stems from the Latin advenire, “that which comes from the outside.” Once seen as invasive weeds, they are now recognized as vital to biodiversity, supporting pollinators and enriching soil. Cornflowers and poppies are among them, now iconic in the French countryside.

In the middle of the church, a tree stands tall, covered with over 10,000 hands sent in by participants from around the world. The roots reveal themselves through anamorphosis, and those who approach the tree can listen to its heart beat. Each visitor is welcome to scan and add their hand to the project. 

Along the sides of the church, five new artworks made of wood and paper are presented for the first time from the new series, Adventice. 

Carré Sainte-Anne

2 Rue Philippy, 34000 Montpellier, France

Open Tuesday to Sunday

June 27 to December 7, 2025 

Curated by Numa Hambursin in collaboration with Carré Sainte-Anne.