Lovers of modern and contemporary art? Follow us in roadtrip mode from the Aveyron gorges to the Lot valley. A 100% artistic itinerary for lovers of exhibitions and galleries.
Stage 1: Beaulieu Abbey in Ginals
We begin our artistic itinerary in the valley of the Seye, a small river of about 48 kilometers which has its source near the village of Vazerac, in the Tarn-et-Garonne. It then crosses several municipalities including Caylus, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Septfonds, before jumping into the Aveyron river.
It is in the town of Ginals that we discover, amazed, the abbey of Beaulieu. In this green setting that is the Seye valley, between hills, woods and fields, the imposing monastic building stands proudly.
After learning about the history of the place and its Cistercian community founded in the XNUMXth century, we discover the incredible modern art collection. Nestled in beautiful recently restored rooms of the abbey, the works brought together by Pierre Brache and Geneviève Bonnefoi form an exceptional collection.
Today, their collection of modern art counts more than 1 works, of 151 different artists, including more than 200 paintings and 400 drawings, but also an important library and archives.
Throughout the rooms, we feel the taste of the collectors for the abstraction which is so present in the exhibition. Some paintings leave me amazed! My favorite room: the one dedicated to Simon Hantaï. It brings together several paintings that were made using a folding technique, the result is striking.
Stage 2: the Atelier Blanc in Villefranche de Rouergue & the Moulin des Arts in Saint-Rémy
We take the road again towards Villefranche-de-Rouergue where we will visit the White Workshop, contemporary art space located on the banks of the Aveyron river.
Villefranche de Rouergue has a very pretty historic center. We learn that it is a country house built in the Middle Ages. Its architectural plan forms a kind of labyrinth of streets that lead us to the beautiful Place Notre Dame. Lined with arcades on all sides, the square is overlooked by the bell tower-gate of the collegiate.
We reach the banks of the river and push the door of the Atelier Blanc garden. A small enchanted world is revealed to us and already some artistic installations arouse our curiosity.
The current exhibition is called “Return Rapide” and brings together the creations of Célie Falières and the duo formed by Mazaccio & Drowilal. The installations, photocollages, sculptures and video address the theme of time. This exhibition continues in a second space, about ten minutes from Villefranche de Rouergue, at Mill of Arts of Saint-Remy.
Stage 3: the Maison des Arts Georges and Claude Pompidou
To end this day placed under the sign of art, direction Cajarc in the Lot valley. This time we travel through the landscapes of Causse of Villeneuve between oak woods and vast expanses adorned with junipers, boxwood and poppies.
After crossing the impressive Cajarc bridge, we arrive at the MAGCP (House of Arts Georges & Claude Pompidou).
The current exhibition “Sous le Ciel” presents photographs by Raymond Depardon and installations by Nicolas Tubéry. These two artists, separated by two generations, both approach the peasant world in their creations. I am captivated by the black and white photographs of Raymond Depardon which illustrate a rural daily life that seems out of time.
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