The Côte d'Azur and Provence still cultivate their taste for art and propose many exhibitions,
plays and other events all year long. Focus on our flourishing cultural activities.
Director of the Théâtre Anthéa in Antibes, Daniel Benoin has taken on a sizable challenge : staging the most widely performed opera in the world. “I imagined it in an Italian-style opera-house, in a stadium or arena and, of course, on the stage at the Anthéa,” explains this prominent figure in the theatre, Vice-President of the Comité des Molières. Performed by Nice’s Philharmonic Orchestra, this legendary opera by Georges Bizet promises to be one of the great cultural events of this spring. April 5th, 7th and 9th. Théâtre Anthéa, 260 avenue Jules Grec, Antibes (04 83 76 13 13).
Marking the centenary of the death of Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), this exhibition takes a fresh look at this world-renowned giant of sculpture by highlighting his creative world, his relationships with the public, and the way in which sculptors have adopted his sense of esthetics. Comprised of over 200 works, the event traces the life of this master unanimously recognized as the artist who restored life to sculpture. From March 22nd to July 31st, Grand Palais, 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, Paris 8 (01 44 13 17 17).
Each year, the elegant Antibes Art Fair draws over 20,000 visitors, collectors, decorators and passionate fans of art and antiques. Facing the harbour of Antibes, the 45th edition will present outstanding items on the stands of 120 exhibitors : renowend art and antique dealers, international galleries and craftsman (cabinetmakers, specialists in marquetry, bronze, ceramics, gilding...). From April 15th to May 2nd. Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs, Port Vauban, Antibes (www.salon-antiquaires-antibes.com).
The exhibition entitled "Tenue correcte exigée, quand le vêtement fait scandale" invites spectators to recall scandals that have accompanied major turning-points in the history of fashion from the 14th century to the present day. Through over 400 items of clothing and accessories, portraits, caricatures and objects, the visitor explores liberty-taking and departures from clothing norms. Women's trousers, skirts for men, plunging necklines, tuxedos worn by women, the mini-skirt, jeans with holes, baggy clothing... They have all made clean breaks with accepted standards. Unitl April 23rd. Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1 (01 44 55 57 50).
An event eagerly awaited each year by fans of classical music, the “Printemps des Arts” offers an exceptional programme in various traditional and unexpected venues in the Principality of Monaco, as well as in some neighbouring towns. Eight orchestras and ensembles, 26 soloists and a dozen opera-singers will be taking part. This year, the festival is launching its own label to propose professional recordings and thus preserve a trace of these spectacular moments on the music scene. From March 17th to April 8th. Monaco (www.printempsdesarts.mc).
Specially designed for Nice’s new Museum of Photography, this exhibition has been staged in collaboration with the Helmut Newton Foundation of Berlin. It consists of a collection of iconic images taken by this provocative photographer known for his shots of women blending fashion, sensuality and sometimes violent eroticism with rare finesse. His fashion photos were published from the end of the 1950’s in numerous magazines including Playboy and Vogue. From February 17th to May 28th. Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre, 1 place Pierre Gauthier (www.museephotographie.nice.fr).
The new art-gallery of Le Suquet is hosting an exhibition called “Hurban Vortex” with 30 photographs by Boris Wilensky. Occupying the freaky premises of the former morgue of the Town of Cannes, this new home for creative expression is now a showcase for these artistic photographic works, taking the viewer on a trip to Japan in the post-Fukushima era. The artist points to the duel between humanity and urban life. Until May 28th. Suquet des Art(iste)s - Résidence d’artistes, 7 rue Saint Dizier, Cannes (04 97 06 44 90).
A landscaper-artist based on the Côte d’Azur, Henri Olivier offers a personal view of the space offered by the Chagall Museum in Nice. Attentive to the play of light and shade, he installs his works between indoors and out, creating a subtle dialogue between the building, its gardens, and the museum collection. Until April 30th. Musée National Marc Chagall, avenue du Docteur Ménard, Nice (04 93 53 87 20).
Well-known from his early days onwards for his fashion photography, Richard Avedon pursued an exceptional lifelong career marked by encounters with French stars and others working in France. The exhibition of almost 200 images describes the deep attachment to France demonstrated by one of the greatest American photographers of the second half of the 20th century. Until February 26th. BnF François Mitterrand, quai François Mauriac, Paris 8 (01 53 79 59 59).
An ode to powerful femininity, this ballet is directed and performed by the famous choreographer Bianca Li accompanied by dancer Maria Alexandrova. Seemingly opposed in every way, the two dancers become the two faces of the same mirror. In 12 sequences, the show unfurls in a cube of light, somewhere between chaos and harmony. Costumes are signed Azzedine Alaïa, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Stella McCartney. February 28th and March 1st. Théâtre Anthéa, 260 avenue Jules Grec, Antibes (04 83 76 13 13).
Organized thematically and chronologically, this new presentation from the Bonnard Museum’s collections allows visitors to discover the painter’s sources of inspiration through the prism of intimacy. This unprecedented exhibit consists of about 60 works including, for the first time, new acquisitions and a few exceptional loans from private collectors. A major French artist in the early 20th century, Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947) was one of the founders of the movement “Les Nabis”, together with Édouard Vuillard among others. Until April 23rd. Musée Bonnard, 16 boulevard Sidi Carnot, Le Cannet (04 93 94 06 06).
His influence has continued to grow over recent years. Born in Nuremberg in 1926, Gustav Metzger contributed to the dawn of the ‘sixties and the redefining of art, exploring new modes of creation and anchoring his approach in major political issues of his era. Like the New Realists, he is known for works made of everyday objects and industrial materials, all doomed to “auto-destruct”. From February 11th to May 14th. MAMAC, place Yves Klein, Nice (04 97 13 42 01).
Diva Cécilia Bartoli is again performing one of the first roles which drew her into the limelight at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1996. Rossini’s masterpiece “La Cenerentola” is inspired by the tale of Cinderella by Charles Perrault. Blending laughter and emotion, this coproduction with the Opéra de Monte-Carlo is a delightful way of starting the year in airy lightness. February from 4th to 7th. Grimaldi Forum, 10 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 99 99 20 00).
Monaco is hosting a new international open-air motor show, organized by Expo Monaco. Clean, innovative and prestige cars will be given a place of honour on stands shared out in the Principality. Electric shuttles will take visitors from one area to the next. February from 16th to 19th. Monaco. www.salonautomonaco.com
Rousing emotion and awakening the senses, this new cultural institution offers an original, informative and playful way of presenting the world of perfume and unveiling its many mysteries. Housed in a private mansion of 1,400 m2 on the elegant Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré - the 19th-century residence of Antoine-Marie Roederer, and home more recently to the fashion house of Christian Lacroix -, this splendid museum traces the history of perfume from the Egypt of the Pharaohs to the present day. Sublime ! Grand musée du Parfum, 73 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8. www.grandmuseeduparfum.fr
The work of British artist Stanley William Hayter is seen as one of the most important contributions to the field of engraving. The Atelier 17 he set up in Paris in 1927 in fact enabled the 20th-C. generation of avant-garde artists (Miro, Picasso, Masson…) to initate themselves in this technique. In parallel to the retrospective dedicated to him by the Metropolitan Museum of New York, Cannes is here presenting an exclusive collection of 120 works.Until April 30th. La Malmaison, 47 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 97 06 44 90).
On stage or in a state of weightlessness, the dancers in this contemporary ballet play with animated images, generated live. Produced by Claire Bardainne and Adrien Mondot, this futuristic show offers thrilling and emotional powerfulness. An enchanting spectacle, highly esthetic and subtly orchestrated. January 28th. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes (04 92 98 62 77).
Founded in Weimar in 1919, dissolved in 1933 in Berlin due to the rise of Nazism, the Bauhaus was an art school which became a watershed in the history of 20th century art. Placed in their historic context, over 900 works, objects, pieces of furniture, textiles, drawings, models and paintings bear witness to the extreme richness of this approach echoing craftsmanship and the world of manufacturing. Jusqu’au 26 février. Les Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1 (01 44 55 57 50).
Born in 1935 in Quincy, Massachusetts, US artist Carl Andre is recognized as one of the defining figures in Minimalism. This retrospective shows how the artist redefines sculpture as a place for experiencing space, form and matter by using everyday items, building and industrial materials. The apparent simplicity of the works on display brings traditional ideas about technique and installation back into focus, with the spectator playing an active part in the work. Until February 12th. Musée d’Art Moderne, 11 avenue du Président Wilson (01 53 67 40 00).
The National Ballet of Marseille is making the trip to the Principality for the new edition of the Monaco Dance Forum. For its opening on December 10th in the Salle Garnier, the troupe will perform “Extremalism - Le Corps en Révolte”, a contemporary ballet by Emio Greco and Pieter C. Sholten. During the rest of the festival, international ballet companies will offer fabulous shows, including several new creations. The Compagnie des Ballets de Monte-Carlo will take to the stage on December 16th, 17th and 18th for evening performances signed by choreographer-director, Jean-Christophe Maillot. December from 10 to 21st. www.balletsdemontecarlo.com
