The Côte d'Azur and Provence still cultivate their taste for art and propose many exhibitions,
plays and other events all year long. Focus on our flourishing cultural activities.
Taking as its point of departure the decor of the façade of the studio designed by Eugène Delacroix when he moved into the Rue de Fürstenberg, this exhibition explores the connection between Delacroix and the Art of Antiquity for the very first time. Drawings and paintings, together with a collection of manuscripts, demonstrate the influence of theory and sensitivity in Antique Art on the work of this great Romantic artist. Until March 7th. Musée National Eugène Delacroix, 6 rue Fürstenberg, Paris 6 (01 44 41 86 50).
A video-performer born in Ajaccio in 1984, Moussa Sarr soon made his mark. His videos found their place in prestigious collections such as those of the Fonds National des Arts Plastiques in Paris and Artemis/François Pinault. This artist who likes to address themes such as otherness, difference and socio-cultural stereotypes with a dose of self-derision is presenting an exhibition at the Galerie de la Marine entitled “Corpus Delicti”, comprised of six videos, nine photographs, an installation and a piece of sculpture. From February 6th to April 3rd. Galerie de la Marine, 59 quai des Etats Unis, Nice (04 93 91 92 91).
The world’s first major exhibition dedicated to art in video games presents over 700 spectacular works and installations, demonstrating the virtuosity of artists working in the field to a broad, trans-generational audience. Pencil sketches, water-colours, paintings, sculptures, either traditional or digital, as well as animated images, reveal a total art form in which even music has an important role. Until March 6th. Arts Ludiques - Le Musée, 34 quai d’Austerlitz, Paris 13 (01 45 70 09 49).
Creating an ephemeral apartment for the duration of this exhibition, the Galerie Catherine Issert confronts design with works of art, thus inventing the possibility of a collection. The event suggests links between designers such as Ettore Sottsas, Antonio Citterio, Ray & Charles Eames, Charlotte Perriand and Gio Ponti, and artists including Jean-Michel Albérola, Ben, Jean-Charles Blais, Denis Castellas, Daphné Corregan, Erik Dietman, Karim Ghelloussi... Until February 13th. Galerie Catherine Issert, 2 route des Serres, Saint-Paul-de-Vence (04 93 32 78 13).
This group exhibition revolving around writing presents original works by European artists, illustrators, calligraphers, sculptors, ceramists et designers, all working with words, their hidden power and significance. Under the direction of exhibition commissioner Valérie Arboireau, the entertaining scenography invites spectators to enjoy a little escapade full of meaning. Until Febraury 13th. La Galerie, Galeries Lafayette Cap 3000, Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
A leading name in comic strips since the 1970’s, Claire Bretécher has built a body of work anchored just as firmly in popular as elitist culture. Her archetypal characters have accompanied several generations thanks, in particular, to her regular collaboration with “Le Nouvel Observateur”. This first one-woman show focuses on the way the artist has succeeded in predicting and depicting the social evolutions of our day, with her own special brand of corrosive humour. Until February 8th. Bibliothèque du Centre Pompidou, 1 rue Beaubourg, Paris 4 (01 44 78 12 75).
Through works by Richard Deacon, Sui Jianguo and Henk Visch, this exhibition designed by the artists themselves invites visitors to reflect on the place of sculpture within contemporary creation. The forms proposed by these three sculptors hold “secret conversations” with some of the most important artworks at the Maeght Foundation. Until March 13th. Fondation Maeght, 663 chemin des Gardettes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence (04 93 38 81 63).
A collection of unique pieces and limited editions comprise this exhibition devoted to the creations of designer Hervé Van Der Straeten, a member of the prestigious Colbert Committee since 2012. Furniture, lighting and mirrors give precedence to noble and natural materials, enchanced by artistry and fine craftsmanship, such as the tradition of Boulle cabinet-making. Until April 29th. Galerie Hervé Van Der Straeten, 11 rue Ferdinand Duval, Paris 4 (01 42 78 99 99).
Jean-Christophe Maillot, choreographer and director of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, has invented a wonderful world of fantasy for this famous ballet telling the dreams of a little girl. Accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the dancers set this enchanting tale to movement with dynamism and poetry. Worth noting, the exceptional participation of Olga Smirnova and Artem Ovcharenko, soloists from the Bolshoi Theatre Ballet. From December 29th to January 4th. Grimaldi Forum, salle des Princes, Monaco (www.balletsdemontecarlo.com).
With fashion historian Olivier Saillard at the helm, Louis Vuitton traces its magnificent voyage, from 1854 to the present day, in an exhibition entitled “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez”. Revolving around nine different themes, it begins with an old trunk embodying, even at a very early stage, the iconic codes and adventurous spirit of Louis Vuitton. A room dedicated to the firm’s expertise and craftsmanship sets the final touch to this historic exhibit. Until February 21th. Grand Palais. 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, Paris 8 (01 44 13 17 17).
To make the 40th edition of Monte-Carlo’s International Circus Festival unforgettable, its committee has invited the world’s greatest circus artists to the ring, and thus presents a parade of winners of the Gold and Silver Clown awards. On the bill, Kris Kremo who has taken juggling to unimaginable heights, L’Adagio Acrobatique, a troupe of acrobats from the Canton army in China, master horse-trainer Alexis Gruss, and the Flying Tabares, undisputed masters of the synchronized trapeze. January from 14th to 24th. Chapiteau de Fontvielle, Monaco (00 377 92 05 23 45).
Over 150 works, most of them hitherto unseen, take us into the world of the most well-known saga of American cinema. Thirty-six contemporary artists have been invited to exhibit their surprising and highly imaginative works, such as a Stormtrooper helmet adorned with no less than 5,000 Swarovski crystals, signed Travis Durden. Until January 15th. Galerie Sakura, 21 rue du Bourg Tibourg, Paris 4 (01 73 77 45 69).
Entitled “You Am I”, this exhibition presents a series of self-portraits produced by Greek artist Irini Karayannopoulou on the pages of women’s magazines in the guise of canvases. Playing on her own image, she does not hesitate to introduce mutation and distortion, and even the grotesque. Until march 6th. Galerie Laureen Thomas, 12 rue du Docteur Michel Provençal, Haut-de-Cagnes (06 21 88 12 78).
The work of this artist-designer with an international career unfurls in three dimensions in new works called “Chimères”, made of eclectic materials. Elisabeth Garouste’s dreamworlds and mysterious reflections take shape here with personality and boldness. Until January 13th. Galerie Polad-Hardouin, 86 rue Quincampoix, Paris 3 (01 42 71 05 29).
In an entertaining and interactive area of 500 sq. metres, the “Sport 2.0” exhibition presents digital advances in the sporting arena. Focusing on innovative enterprises in the field, it sheds light on the richness and diversity of new technologies which are radically changing and sometimes revolutionizing certain practices. In a 7-stage circuit inspired by health & fitness trails, the visitor can discover and test numerous concepts thanks to interactive terminals and original interfaces.Until February 28th. Musée National du Sport, Stade Allianz Riviera, boulevard des Jardiniers, Nice (04 89 22 44 00).
Director of photography for the past 15 years on short and full-length films by Jacques Audiard, Rémi Belvaux and Olivier Nakache, as well as for TV commercials for Hugo Boss, Vuitton, Bulgari and Renault and clips for Pascal Obispo, Johnny Hallyday and Marc Lavoine, the prolific David Nissen here reveals a more personal aspect of his work in a series of intimate photos taken on solitary travels. Until January 31st. Salon du Panthéon (au dessus du cinéma du Panthéon) au 13 Rue Victor Cousin, Paris 5 (www.davidnissen.fr).
Selah Sue, Marcus Miller, Paolo Conte, Joshua Redman, Melody Gardot, Gregory Porter, Avishai Cohen (performing for the first time with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra), not forgetting Barbara Hendricks, who will top the bill on the final evening… They will all be on stage at the Garnier Opera House to celebrate the 10th edition of the prestigious Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, which will also welcome numerous African and Gnawa musicians. From November 23th to December 6th. Opéra Garnier, place du Casino (00 377 98 06 36 36).
How did Pablo Picasso inspire and influence other artists ? Such is the angle chosen by Le Grand Palais for its main autumn exhibition entitled “Picasso.mania”. Both chronological and thematic, the Galerie Vallois proposes a tour tracing the key stages in the formation of the legend. The master’s main stylistic periods and iconic works are set face to face with contemporary creations, real tributes signed by renowned Pop artists including Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney, comprised of varied techniques and supports. Until February 29th. Grand Palais, Galeries Nationales, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, Paris 8 (01 44 13 17 17).
Regarded as one of the greatest names in contemporary dance and the dance-theatre style, Pina Bausch, who passed away in 2009, founded the Tanztheater Wuppertal forty years ago. Her company will perform “Vollmond” (“Full Moon”), a work created in 2006 using a large quantity of water on stage. Worth discovering ! December 18th, 19th and 20th. Grimaldi Forum, 10 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (www.balletsdemontecarlo.com)
In a fairytale atmosphere, craftsmen and producers known for their excellence will present their finest products at one of Alain Ducasse's addresses, in Provence. Among them, truffle-grower Gilbert Hugou, the beekeepers of Les Ruchers du Bessillon, and the Maison des Vins des Coteaux Varois en Provence, as well as suggestions for the art of the table, fine cookery books and spectacular Christmas creations from Alain Ducasse’s Manufacture de Chocolat. For the occasion, star-rated chef Benoit Witz will also propose menus on the theme of “While waiting for Christmas”, while at the bar, visitors will be able to sample wine, hot chocolate and spicy gourmet teas. December 19th. Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle, 10 place du Général De Gaulle, La Celle-en-Provence (04 98 05 14 14).
