aixcentric

What is  it?  The Foundation owns one of the largest collections of paintings, sculptures and graphic works of the 20th century in Europe as well as showing contemporary artists’ work…and it’s just a 2 hour drive from Aix.

Who were the Maeghts?  Aimé and Marguerite Maeght who were art dealers and collectors based in Cannes. But Aimé Maeght wasn’t born rich – his back story is fascinating. 

He was living near Lille, aged just 8, when the first world war broke out.  His father who worked on the railways was never seen again and the house was destroyed.  His mother and 4 children escaped to the Gard and started a new life.  Aimé studied art in Nimes but, because he had to earn money for his family, went into printing. His first job was in Cannes where he met Marguerite who was from a wealthy local family. Soon they were not only producing prints but exhibiting them and networking with some very influential artists…

A Family Tragedy. In 1953, their little son Bernard died and the couple were

The rebuilt chapel in memory of their son

consumed with grief.  Braque encouraged them to do something positive to channel their sorrow and they decided to create an outdoor space for art.  Walking in the hills near Saint-Paul de Vence, they came across the remains of the Chapelle Saint-Bernard. It must have seemed like a sign.

Braque designed the stained glass window for the chapel.

What can be seen today? the garden is full of interesting sculptures by Tal Coat, Miro, Calder, with lots of little pools with either playful statues in the middle or mosaics below.  Inside there are paintings by Bonnard, Leger, Calder…and you can climb right up to that wavy roof for views. 

The problem is that the extensive collection isn’t always on view  as temporary exhibitions can occupy the gallery space.

The current temporary exhibition?  1106 oil barrels in the courtyard! Hmmm.  It’s an ‘installation’ by Christo and Jeanne-Claude who are the people responsible for wrapping the bridge in Paris and the Reichstag in Berlin along with other urban projects.  So now they are working with oil barrels building what they call a ‘Mastaba’.  The next one will be a truly massive one in the desert near Abu Dhabi.

There were rooms dedicated to their projects and despite myself, I did get quite fascinated by the whole thing. However, it does seem a shame to clear galleries of paintings for a temporary show.  Maybe there could be a compromise?

A playful Miro fountain in the garden

We did find it a fascinating and stimulating experience, especially combined with a visit to Saint-Paul de Vence which is moments away.

It’s not cheap at 15€ entry + 5€ for permission to take photos.  The café which was designed by Giacometti was pleasant but with a café crème at 5,00 so it should be!

It’s open daily throughout the year. Lots of parking on site. Details here: http://www.fondation-maeght.com/en/