aixcentric

There seems to have been a deluge of work by Picasso recently, in Marseille, in Aix, in Les Baux, in Cannes….but the small exhibition at Aix’s Pavillon Vendome, ‘Villers Picasso – Coup de Soleil’ really is worth investigating.

André Villers was just 22 and recovering from 6 years in a TB sanatorium when he met the world-famous 72 year old artist. So fifty years separated the men, but Picasso liked the aspiring young photographer and became his mentor.  This exhibition focuses on the work they did together, a quatre mains, from 1954 to 1962. Picasso added collaged figures to Villers’ landscapes or incorporated the photos themselves as part of his compositions….after which Villers made the prints we see today in Aix.  There is a playful quality to these works which included papers, fabrics, and even pasta.  You do get a sense that they were enjoying working together and simply seeing what happened during the creative process.

Jacqueline here superimposed on photo of trees

The results are quite intriguing.  There are several variations on the familiar profile of Jaqueline Picasso – see photos below.

The two artists produced a book, ‘Diurnes’, to which poet Jacques Prévert contributed the text.  The exhibition  has manuscripts on show.

The Pavillon Vendome is open daily exc. Tuesday.  10-12:30, 1:30-1800hrs.

Picasso’s collage of Jacqueline superimposed on photograph of a textured veil

Entry 3,50 euros….advisable to have the correct amount of cash.

This is also a good opportunity to have a look around the Pavillon Vendome which was built  just outside town for the Duc de Vendome.  He decided against a mansion in the cours Mirabeau which was under construction at the time, too public for a newly-created cardinal with a mistress to hide.  Visitors can see the now-bricked up archway which was made for La Belle de Canet’s carriage (to the right of the entrance).  And is the statue above the doorway a portrait of this lady?

Photographers will find a good time to visit is around lunchtime when the reflection of the building is mirrored in the round pond in the garden. Not too perfect in my photo below as I was contending with ripples caused by a small boy stirring the goldfish with a stick.

Lots of shade and benches for picnicking around this traditional French garden.

All in all, a recommendation for visitors to Aix this summer.  The exhibition runs until 30th September.