aixcentric

Marseille’s super Musée Regards de Provence has been inspired by the MPG2019 Year of Gastronomy programme and is serving up two foodie exhibitions, starting this week.

‘Asperges Sauvages’, Olivier Bernex, local artist who recently had a big expo at the Granet

L’Art Mange l’Art has a wide range of contemporary works, all food-themed; there is some witty photography (eg behind the scenes in restaurants) and interesting paintings.

Climb the stairs for the larger ‘De La Table au Tableau’ exhibition, which draws on the foundation’s resources to bring together paintings from 19th-21st century artists.  It begins with still-lifes, then has scenes of market-places, harvesting, fishing, right through to people at the table: some lovely works by Ambrogiani, Dufy, Seyssaud, Verdilhan, Inguimberty – all locals, all celebrating the Provencal patrimoine and cuisine.

The modern section has cartoons, ceramics, installations and some interesting photography. Fascinating duo from Tori Mayura who has a photo showing a baguette upside down on a table, which according to superstition in Provence is an omen of death……and next to it an oriental bowl of rice with chopsticks pushed upright into the food.  That too is a bad omen, being associated with funeral rights. Two cultures, two omens. Interesting too that the French for chopsticks, on the label, is baguettes.

So, a lot to see and digest; and all very varied.

We go from this…..

‘Provencale dans sa cuisine’ 1879, Louis Francois Gautier

to this…..

Voracity 3, Philippe Ordioni. Described on the label as a ‘pose enigmatique’

Recommended!

And if all this imagery leaves you feeling decidedly peckish, remember that there is a café and restaurant on the top floor which has one of Marseille’s best views.

Open: Tues-Sun, 10-18:00hrs.