Cultural events

Dark-haired Sylvie Hoarau and the blond Aurélie Saada, the beautiful members of the Brigitte duo, are leaving venues in Paris to finally perform here in the south. Launched by their surprising remake of the NTM hit, “Ma Benz”, they assume their retro style which is drawing an ever wider audience. November 29th, la Palestre, Le Cannet.

Two aspects of Bernard Plossu’s work are being shown simultaneously in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. A series of photographs (107 to be precise) of La Sainte-Victoire and, at the same time, a nod-and-a-wink to Paul Cézanne, whose paintings of the mountain made it famous all over the world. For Plossu, La Sainte-Victoire is white. He in fact climbed to the top and discovered an incredible light, a dazzling light which seems to burst from his black-and-white photographs. On different occasions, he took photos of all its variations and makes the spectator feel the soul of the place, with a touch of poetry that is perfectly palpable... ... Until December 16th, Musée Granet (04 42 52 88 32) and Centre de la Vieille Charité (04 91 14 59 18).

Put Ravi Coltrane on saxophone, David Virelles on piano, Robert Hurst on bass and Kariem Riggins on drums, and you get a brilliant quartet for an evening of first-class music. Far from resting on the laurels of his famous surname, Ravi has gotten together a really good band and treats connoisseurs to some highly original renderings. Not to be missed ! November 15th, salle Grappelli, Nice (04 93 53 89 61).

Jean-Paul van Lith presents his work as a creative glassmaker, together with documents recalling his accomplishments for the town of Cannes. He also shares this exhibition space with the students from the Collège Ranguin, with which he collaborates on a regular basis. These budding young artists have, in fact, created a number of object-sculptures. Until November 11th, Espace Miramar, Cannes (04 93 43 10 92).

After studying architecture, then turning to photo-journalism (for “The Independent”) and winning awards in fashion photography and the world of show business while also making a few commercials, Martin Morrell discovered a passion : travel and, of all the destinations he visited, India. Staying there on several occasions, he has brought back some superb shots : a monk, a groom, a linesman, a smuggler, children on the banks of the Ganges, street children... Poignant portraits reunited here under the title “Indian Figures”. Until December 31st, musée Fragonnard, Grasse (04 93 36 02 07).

The superb Imany from the Comoro Islands has successfully taken the step from modeling to music, and producer Malick N’Diaye (who discovered Ayo) was not mistaken. Touring all over France to promote her first album, a magnificent collection of soul-folk ballads entitled “The Shape Of a Broken Heart”, Imany is honouring us with a concert in the Principality. November 23rd, salle du canton, Monaco (00 377 93 10 12 10).

Sébastien Tellier, king of the French electro scene, opens the programme on November 2nd. The rest of the month looks just as thrilling with performances by percussionist Zakir Hussain (Nov. 3rd), pop-folk band Revolver (8th), the legendary LKJ (9th), the extraordinary Puppetmastaz (15th), ending with a flamenco festival (23rd) and a celebration of the theatre’s 20th anniversary (29th). Du 2 au 29 novembre, Théâtre Lino Ventura, Nice.

Bernard Moninot teaches at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. A talented draughtsman and engraver, he has taken on an ambitious and unusual project : illustrating sound and silence. For several years, he has made lots of drawings in his notebooks which, according to him, evoke sound and silence. Three installations that are a direct result of this research, “Objets de silence”, “Silent-Listen” and “Antichambre”, are staged by the artist using translucent screens hung before picture windows. These uncommon works thus seem to be large pictures of shadows. Until December 3rd, musée Jean Cocteau, Menton (04 89 81 52 50).

These photos are only a few months old. André Villers in fact took them in August. The photographer has lost none of his visual vivacity and proves it in this exhibition which sets the seal on 60 years of his passion for photography. A diamond anniversary ! We wish him yet more enjoyment, and know that you will share it by visiting his Museum. Until December 31st, Musée de la Photographie André Villers, Mougins (04 93 75 85 67).

On a trip to Hong Kong with her dance troupe, Pina Bausch was impressed by window-cleaners going about their business on the fronts of skyscrapers. In the choreographer’s mind, a new ballet was already taking shape. “Le Laveur de Vitres” is visually dazzling and totally jubilatory. In parallel to this performance, spectators will be able to see the film “Pina”, a tribute made to the artiste by Wim Wenders. December, from 14th to 16th, Grimaldi Forum, Monaco (00 377 99 99 30 00).

Once a reporter, particularly in India, which earned him the Niepce Prize in 1957, Denis Brihat has devoted himself for the past few years to nature. A native of Paris who lived in Biot, then settled in Bonnieux where he still lives, the artist now draws inspiration from Provence. Fruit, vegetables and flowers have become his models. He photographs them, then works on the images using a very special technique : the art of “virage”. Thanks to chemical processes, gold or selenium, he retouches the colours, emphasizes the transparency of an onion skin, chisels the silhouette of a tulip, shades the petals of a poppy. The beauty of nature explodes ! Until February 3rd, Théâtre de la Photographie et de l’Image, Nice (04 97 13 42 20).

Photographs, paintings, sculptures or mirror mosaics... These eight women are representing Iranian art in this exhibition entitled “The other half of Iran”. Thanks to their creativity, they pass on a number of messages about their culture, their place in society and their vision of the world. Until December 20th, Sem-Art gallery, Monaco (00 377 97 70 50 70).

A leader in “modest art” and member of the group “Figuration libre”, Hervé Di Rosa has accustomed us to works inspired by comic strips, rock and graffiti. Today, however, for the first time in Montpellier, he proposes numerous African sculptures and other giant fetishes. Bronzes he has produced using traditional African techniques, now assembled under the title “Yhayen” meaning “Procession”. A native of Sète, the artist continues to surprise us, confirming both his talent and his irrepressible character ! Until October 24th, Carré Saint-Anne, Montpellier (04 67 60 82 11).

The vocalist in the group that bears her name, Carmen Maria Vega distils good lyrics and good humour. Propulsed into the limelight with the title “La Menteuse” in 2009, she is now defending the band’s second album : “Du chaos naissent les étoiles”. On stage, she whisks you into an up-beat and off-beat world ! October 19th, Théâtre Lino Ventura, Nice (04 97 25 62 75).

“A la vie délibérée !” traces the history of performance art produced on the Côte d’Azur from 1951 to 2011. From these artistic experiences performed in public, all that remains are images and writings. These documents combined provide a kind of sociological and anthropological study, while giving an insight into esthetic approaches that have marked the cultural scene on the French Riviera over the past 60 years. Until October 28th, Villa Arson, Nice (04 92 07 73 73).

The eight communes comprising the Pays de Fayence joined by Bagnols-en-Forêt are playing host to the “Festival de Quatuor à Cordes” for the 24th consecutive year, while the master class and training course for musical ensembles are being held in Saint-Raphaël. On the programme, among other things, the entire works of Beethoven by the Ysaÿe quartet. From October 27th to November 3rd, pays de Fayence (04 94 76 02 03).

From a trip to the Far East, Henri Cernuschi brought back many ceramics used in the preparation and tasting of tea. These pieces are part of the collection of the Musée Cernuschi, Musée des Arts de l’Asie, in Paris, which was delighted to lend them to its counterpart in Toulon for a temporary exhibition entitled “Tea in the Edo period” (1603-1967). Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Japanese civilization and customs, and appreciate their refinement while contemplating tea bowls, pots for powdered tea, cold water pots, teacups, teapots... Until October 14th, Musée des Arts asiatiques, Toulon (04 94 36 83 10).

A real “Best of” tour, Sting’s “Back To Bass Tour” takes the form of a selection of his most popular titles from the last 25 years of his career. Fans will be able to hear hits he chalked up as part of “Police” and others he produced when he decided to go solo. The star has given them a more “rock” style interpretation, inviting his audiences to re-live some unforgettable musical memories... November 12th, Palais Nikaïa, Nice.

A key figure in modern art on the Côte d’Azur, Yves Klein departed from this world 50 years ago. In his memory, this totally unprecedented exhibition links his work to that of two other heavyweights in the world of art : James Lee Byars and Anish Kapoor. Some of their installations and performances are thus on display, with monochromes and matter as common themes. While Klein remains the past-master of blue, pure pigment, resin and natural sponge, Byars magnifies white in Thassos marble sculptures and Kapoor experiments with red wax. Until December 16th, MAMAC, Nice (04 97 13 42 01).

Photographer Olivier Remualdo took his camera to the Prado-République neighbourhood of Cannes and immortalized its residents and passers-by. The result is a series of portraits shot on a patch of red carpet which turns out to be a real iconography of the place. “Vive (la) République !” brings his special touch of fantasy to the art world. Until November 15th, quartier Prado-république, Cannes (04 93 99 19 77).