Focus on Contemporary Art in Provence
Provence in the southeast of France, is a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage. In terms of contemporary art, there are several places you shall visit to see cutting-edge exhibitions and installations by local and international artists. Here are a few of the best contemporary art spaces in Provence :
1. Lambert Collection
Lambert collection in Avignon : dedicated to showcasing works by international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, installations and videos by some of the most influential artists in the last century.
2. Hotel de Caumont
In the heart of the Mazarin district, the Hotel de Caumont is one of the most beautiful mansions in Aix-en-Provence. It hosts the art centre that offers two temporary exhibitions each year dedicated to the great names of contemporary art. Currently you can discover paintings and installations of Yves Klein best known for his contributions to the development of monochromatic painting and the use of the colour blue. He also developed a technique called “Anthropometry” which involved the use of human body as a paintbrush. This summer 2023 exhibition will be dedicated to Max Ernst. Through nearly 120 works, the exhibition returns to the footsteps of this creative genius, and will highlights the close link he had with nature, play, magic and freedom.
3. Vasarely foundation
Vasarely foundation in Aix-en-Provence: dedicated to the works of Hungaria-French artist Victor Vasarely, widely considered the father of Op Art. It showcases his iconic optical illusion paintings and sculptures, as well as works by other artists in similar styles.
4. Villa La Coste
Villa La Coste in Le Puy Sainte Réparade : it includes works by renowned international artists, such as Tadao Ando, Jean Nouvel, Louise Bourgois, Ellsworth Kelly and many others. The exhibitions and installations are designed to complement and interact with the natural beauty of the vineyard, making for a unique and immersive art experience.
5. Villa Datris
Villa Datris in l’Isle sur la Sorgue : dedicated to promoting contemporary art, the exhibitions showcase established and emerging artists from around the world. The foundation also hosts a variety of cultural events, such as workshops, lectures and concerts to complement its exhibitions.
6. Vincent Van Gogh foundation
Vincent Van Gogh foundation in Arles: dedicated to showcasing contemporary art inspired by the works of Vincent Van Gogh. It features exhibitions, workshops, and residencies, as well as a research center focused on the artist and its legacy.
7. Luma foundation
Luma foundation in Arles : established in 2013 by the Swiss art collector and philanthropist Maja Hoffmann, the foundation is located in a former industrial site that has been transformed into a state-of-the-art cultural centre. The exhibition studies the relationships between art, culture, human rights, education and the environment.
8. Ufan museum
Ufan museum in Arles : dedicated to the work of Korean artist Ufan Lee, who is one of the most prominent artists of the Mono-ha movement, a Japanese art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and is characterized by a focus on natural materials and the use of industrial materialst.
9. Le Cargo
Le Cargo in Arles : dedicated to showcasing works by emerging artists and hosting exhibitions and events that explore new forms of expression and innovation in contemporary art.
10. Musée d’art de Toulon
The MAT (Musée d’Art de Toulon) focus on major contemporary art movements : conceptual art, French nouveau réalisme (Arman, Christo, Yves Klein and Martial Raysse), minimalism (Donald Judd and Sol LeWitt). The museum also includes a number of work by the Italian artist Giuseppe Penone, known for his use of natural materials such as wood and stone in his sculptures.
11. La FRAC
The FRAC Provence Alpes – Côtes d’Azur in Marseille : built in 2013, the FRAC was designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It is a real eye-catcher with its façade clad with hundreds of opaque glass rectangles that combine to create a cheque board effect across the exterior of the six-storey building.