What does this picture suggest to you? It is the image on the poster advertising the expo ‘Les Bouches du Rhône – Agnes Varda’, currently showing at ‘Galerie d’Art du Conseil General’ which is just down from Monoprix. Varda is a distinguished film-maker with a long record of success in the cinema, but I didn’t know that she is also a photographer.
I thought that the image above was just a surrealistic notion until it was explained, when I got inside, that it represents Les Bouches du Rhône! Of course! The exhibition plays with place names in this manner with a series of photos taken around Marseille and also includes film recreating photos. It’s only a small exhibition but if you are in town, very well worth a visit. Free. Until 17th March. 9.30-13, 14-18:00hrs. Closed Mondays.
While on the subject of the Rhône, if you missed the wonderful exhibition of ‘César et les secrets du Rhone’ which was on in Arles and then in the Louvre, all the exhibits can be seen at the Archives et Bibliotheque Departementales Gaston-Deferre
It is a truly moving moment to see these objects which have been raised from the river bed, now on view for the first time in over 2000 years. Since their initial showing, questions have been raised as to the identity of this bust. Is it really Caesar? Maybe we will never know. But it is a wonderful sculpture of a Roman aristocrat in his middle years showing the cares of life all those centuries ago. Until 24th March.
In Aix this Sunday remember that the Musée Granet is free on Sunday so you can catch up with the new expo ‘Cadavre Exquis’ which is, shall we say, different – plus there’s the book market in the Place de l’Hotel de Ville where you can browse amongst lots of out-of-print books. For cycling fans, the season that will bring the Tour de France to Aix (July 4th), there is La Ronde d’Aix taking place in town. Amateurs start at the Rotonde at 13:15 followed by the professionals at 14:30 or 50 depending on which paper you read!
And finally……….if you want some exercise rather than watching others racing around, there’s the new issue of En Balade.
This time they have given details of hikes themed around famous local writers and painters. I’m particularly drawn to the ‘hike’ around Lourmarin with a Camus theme – 1.15hrs, completely flat and officially ‘facile’ Sounds good to me!
En Balade is 2.80 at kiosks and a mine of information.
Have an excellent weekend!
aixcentric 
The Agnes Varda exhibition sounds great, I heard from a friend who attended the opening with the artist that it is very good. Appropriate for 2013 and the cultural capital.
Must get a copy of En Balade and read a few more French authors! Thanks for the tip.
The exhibitions in that little gallery can be rather odd – but this one is colourful and witty. I hope you enjoy it!
She sounds rather a delightful eccentric, from the glimpse in the booklet I saw I am sure I will enjoy it.