Aix-en-Provence France

No.22/ ©2010 Robert D. Hale.

By Robert D. Hale
Published: May 10, 2010

Winter has finally lost its battle with Spring, but not without putting up a ferocious fight. Thunder, lightning, rain and winds marked the tumultuous ending of the war. Now Nature is making all haste in renewing itself once again. Sex is in the air, literally; the birds and the bees are doing it, and even the flowers and the trees are doing it. I will not take this analogy any further, but you get my drift; Spring has returned to Provence .

With the new season there has been an explosion of exhibitions throughout the region. Photography, drawings, paintings, sculptures, all have been, and are being shown. With the return of the seasonal dwellers [those who maintain vacation homes in Provence , and on the Cote d’Azure] from Paris , and other cold climes, as well as the first of the tourists, the art scene, like Nature, is awakening. What sort of year we will have this year is anyone’s guess. Although there are small signs of economic recovery here in France , there are still factors that could hinder the acquisition of art. We can only wait and see.

Of the several exhibitions I attended recently, there were two that stood out. One was the work of my friend and fellow photographer Francoise Laury. Her images and subject matter carried great substance, reflecting on Nature and industry. The exhibition was held at La Fountaine Obscure, a photographic association based here in Aix. After each ‘opening’ there is a portfolio review for members of the association, as well as invited guests. The association also sponsored an exhibition called ‘Plein Soleil’ of which several members exhibited.

Galerie 22 owner Jane Dreyer and the artists/ ©2010 Robert D. Hale.

The other was an exhibition at Gallerie 22 Jamoz, in the village of Coustellet , about an hour north of Aix. This gallery is located in the beautiful Luberon Valley , of which Peter Mayle wrote in his novel “A Year in Provence.” The two artists had shown together before, and upon discovering that they possessed similar artistic sensibilities, but using different mediums of expression, decided to exhibit together again. It is very rare for me to walk into a gallery and have all the pieces speak to me; the sculptor and the painter, in harmony.

I also attended two other exhibitions in Aix. One featuring the work of a young photographer at a gallery where I have exhibited, called Galerie Susini. A young and thoughtful artist, I look forward to following her progress. There was also an exhibition at the ‘City Hall Gallery.’ The exhibition, curated by Marie Odile Chotard, featured two women artists; one making sculptures, the other drawings. Both were exceptional talents, and the first time I have seen their work.

Not only the weather, but also the art scene is heating up here in the south of France . Everyone seems to be busy preparing for the annual summer influx, attempting to take advantage of that extra cash floating around, and making hay (euros) while the sun shines; in the process continuing to grow as artists, and insuring another wonderful creative year in Provence .

Robert Hale/Photographer