Aix-en-Provence, France

Asilah Mural / ©2010 Robert D. Hale.

By Robert D. Hale
Pub­lished: June 10, 2010

Plasticiens. What does this word mean to you? Give up? Well, I almost did. When I would see the word printed at various exhibitions around town, used to describe the genre of the artist, I just couldn’t get the reference. I mistakenly thought it referred to an artist who worked in plastic, yet I could discern no plastic in their pieces. I persisted in my quest to solve this ancient riddle, and after questioning different artists, I got it. What the word means has little if anything to do with plastic, but rather is someone who uses mixed media to create art. There, riddle solved. Ah, language!

Artist and Shop Owner/ ©2010 Robert D. Hale.

On the 12th of May I flew to Tangier. Although I loved Fez, where I went on my first adventure in Morocco, and will return there soon, I had read about a village in the Rif mountains called Chefchueon, the “Blue” city, The images were remarkable and I wanted to go there to photograph. As it was closer to Tangier than to Fez, Tangier became my destination. Although initially disappointed, as Tangier had none of the wonderment and beauty of Fez, I soon began to discover the artists. It was on my second day there; deep in the Medina “Old City,” that I happened upon a gallery. Finding it closed, and continuing on down the narrow passageway, I saw posters for other exhibitions outside a shop. Inquiring inside, I met the shopkeeper who was also an artist. He shared with me a bit about the art scene in Tangier. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit the other artists and galleries he told me about; however, when I return in August, I plan on spending more time in the city doing just that. Venturing a couple hours south of Tangier along the coast is the old fort city of Asilah. While staying there with a friend, I was introduced to a local artist and her gallery. Seems that Asilah is a well-known artists’ town, with an annual festival featuring “mural art.” I was fortunate enough to see some of last year’s work before they are painted over for this year’s festival in July.

Larry and DeMaris arriving at Nice Airport/ ©2010 Robert D. Hale.

My friend Larry Richardson and his wife DeMaris stopped into Aix for a short visit a couple weeks ago, so I was impressed into duty as a tour guide, (really a chance for me to see lots of sights too) and host. After picking them up at the Airport, we toured Nice before heading up to Aix. Larry is an artist from Southern California and DeMaris an actress, so their agenda was my agenda, lots of art. We began by visiting some of my artist friends, galleries, and museums, in the process touring the countryside, and eating well. Eventually ending up in Arles, where we spent a warm and sunny day walking around the old ‘Roman’ town on the Rhone River checking out more art and historical sites. The final stop on their last day in Provence was at the “art” hotel in St. Remy de Provence. The next day they left for Paris, and the continuation of their journey.

I, on the other hand have begun preparations for an exhibition of “Water Abstracts” at the end of this month. This will be the first exhibition of my new series. Wish me luck.

Robert Hale/Photographer