Events & festivals in France in August

Let yourself be spirited away…

France and Japan have at least one thing in common: a passion for cartoons, comics and animation. The art of animation has become a major and respected form of expression in which realism and fantasy touch upon each other in ever-evolving alternate realities.

Three great names stand out on the animation landscape: Paul Grimault, Takahata Isao and Miyazaki Hayao. These artists, from completely different parts of the world, are nevertheless connected at a higher level and speak the same artistic language. The curator for this expo, Jean-Pierre Pagliano, is an expert critic of Paul Grimault's art and is also familiar with Japanese animation and cinema.

This unique exhibition will be a journey into parallel universes, those of Grimault's Le Roi et l'Oiseau ("The King and the Mockingbird"),Takahata's Pompoko and Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke. To complement the exhibits there will be a full programme of workshops, discussions and outdoor film screenings in the Abbey gardens.

The magical curiosity of a child.

The cause for this event: a place. The book-lined walls of Château-Gaillard, a place filled with mysteriously locked cupboards, bring to mind a society of intellectuals and their obsessive collections - that was more than enough to convince Jean-Luc Parant to recreate his own personal collection of curious things…
His fake-libraries are home to strange books, crafted from wax, with words rolled up into little balls, and writing tablets covered with embossed symbols that one longs to touch… The curious aspect of this collection echoes the obscure 19th century "savant" journals that sit along side it.

Jean-Luc Parant is a curious man. He has been worrying clay since the 70's when he decided that, with this primal, eternal element, he could conquer the world. The erudite scholars of history share with Parant that ambition to embrace the universe as a whole, to collect treasures. Unusual animals, or the perfect shape of an egg - worth their weight in gold, Parant recreates them himself, crafting clay to trick the eye. Deep down, Jean-Luc Parant has that elusive trait of character that once killed the colloquial cat..

Swimming against the current.

This exhibition will trace the history of the grand sailing ships that would leave from Rouen and then travel around the planet, passing by Cape Horn despite the hellish climate and dangerous waters.

The cap-horniers, as these mythical cargo-boats were once known, represented the crux of European commercial expansion throughout the globe. This adventurous era is mapped out thanks to the testimonies of captains, sailors and others in the field, and also thanks to photographs, artwork and a variety of artefacts.

Gold from the needlepoint…

This part of the exhibition will be dedicated to the golden age of French silk production, the grandiose era when French silk was favoured over Italian, and when embroidery as an art form leaped to new heights.

Experience the lavish fabrics, the vibrant colours and revolutionary production techniques. For the occasion, a complete embroidered ornament will be displayed and a new hall will be opened to increase the display space.

Tasty art…

The Espace Faience museum welcomed Baptiste Ymonet for the first time in 2006. The award-winning artist is now back and will be working with plastic artist Vincent Jousseaume to present a unique exhibition.

Both artists will be working with the local tradition of luxury tableware to create an innovative set based on the theme "Whip Cream" ("Chantilly").

The Savage side of mother nature.

"Nature through the eyes of some of the greatest photographers." The Natural History Museum in Rouen is living up to its reputation and is organising this unique exhibition, a stunning display of sensitivity and graphic beauty.

These 110 photos were selected through a rigorous process, revealing an aspect of our planet rarely seen in museums: the wild, savage, untamed face of Mother Nature.

An homage.

Raymond Hains was already displaying his work at the Pays de la Loire Contemporary Art Fund (FRAC) in 1998. His photographs and digital works were gathered under the heading "Lemot passe a travers" ("Words pass through it") which was dedicated to François-Frédéric Lemot, a major sculptor.

The FRAC is today home to an impressive collection of works signed by Hains. The Director of the FRAC, Laurence Gateau, has decided to organise this homage in 2008, a decade after the original exhibition. This latest exhibition, "Comme le Verre à travers le Soleil, Autour de Raymond Hains”, aims to shed a new light on the works of Raymond Hains.

A potter at heart.

Louis-Léopold Thuiland, born in Prévelles in 1862, was a famed potter of the Sarthe region. His life was a tragedy in itself, a paragon of misery, in stark contrast with the joy and energy associated with his creations.

His life work is a touching testimony of village culture in the pre-war era and also provides a strong example of the tradition of varnished pottery, characteristic of the Sarthe area.

Many influences, one artist.

Almost 200 works total (watercolours, charcoal, comics, photos…) will be displayed at the Thomas-Henry art museum for this exhibition.

Visitors will discover travel drawing, press drawings, models for posters, collaborations (in particular with Philippe Paringaux).

The curators, Véronique Liévin and Dominique Paysant, chose to focus on transparency and light in the artist's work… As a result, the visitor plunges into a world of shadows and light, a world of chiaroscuro which highlights dark, strong colours... In particular the night blues and acid yellows that are so characteristic of Loustan's work.

Don't lost your compass.

Good times are just growing on trees in Bayeux's Labyrinth. Take a tour of the gardens and enjoy a cultural and educational experience among friends, young and old, or with the whole family. Remember to pack some water and snacks, because this will be a two-hour tour where you might, and probably will, get side-tracked or completely lost.

Do not dispair, visitors are given a map upon entry and can always check the book when they take a wrong turn again, and again…

Jack up the Amps!

The Teriaki Festival is back after a two-year break. This major event, courtesy of the Teriaki association, will be a series of performances and shows based on the theme "amplified music and scenography".

The programme, stretched over 5 days, includes concerts, installations, conferences, films with live music and a number of exhibitions. The shows will be taking place in a number of venues from Le Mans to Allonnes.

The Normandy-Quebec connection.

What does Normandy have in common with the history of Quebec?

Extensive waves of immigrants in the 17th century for one thing, but another connecting point exists, much closer to our time. The Second World War was an opportunity for these children of France to return to defend their motherland…

This is why the Juno Beach Centre is organising a temporary exhibition this year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Quebec. The thematic aim of the event is to shed light on the common history that Normandy and Quebec share - it is an homage to the soldiers of Normand origin among the troops who were there on D-Day, who fought the Battle of Normandy with Canadian forces.

The title is a fitting, poetic reference to the relation these soldiers had to the motherland - Partis, revenus...

Swimsuit collection, 1930 - Today.

This summer, the Deauville esplanade (the famed Planches) will be hosting an outdoor photography exhibition for the first time ever. 40 photographs and drawings, courtesy of Vogue magazine archives, will be on display - the exhibition as a whole retraces 70 years of summer fashion and beach-wear.

Deauville, with its 1920s beach resort architecture, sumptuous decor and lighting, is a major hotspot for fashion photography. It is only natural that Les Planches, a year-round prestigious red-carpet, should frame this fascinating expo.

Homage.

This exhibition is not for the faint of heart… Christophe Miralles has set up this event as an homage to the victims of terrorist attacks in London and Madrid.

His art lies between painting and sculpture. The spectator wanders amidst a forest of faceless beings but also vividly colourful canvases, a stark contrast that reflects a confrontation, a cohabitation of life and death.

Painters of tomorrow.

After some fascinating themes in the previous editions ("Staircases in Trouville"; "Childhood impressions in Trouville") which had inspired numerous artists, this year the cultural centre's choice of theme is "Trouville in the style of…"

The idea is not to copy a famous work but to imitate a particular painter's style, technique or overall character in order to create a landscape piece depicting Trouville. The work can be on canvas or any other format, and with whatever tools the artist sees fit (watercolour, gouache, pastel…).

The work judged the finest will be awarded a prize during a special ceremony on September 20th.

Dedicated to equine perfection.

Visit the famed Cadre Noir de Saumur, the National Horse-riding school of international repute, and delve into the world of horses. This unique area, rich with history, will be open to visitors - discover what happens backstage, the riding school (one of the biggest in Europe), the stables and saddlery. Man's greatest conquest, the horse, lives like a king in the Cadre Noir.

Fragile, but worthwhile art.

This fascinating exhibition deals with the history of porcelain production in Bayeux, some of the highest quality in the world!

The Porcelaine de Bayeux expo is a sort of grand retrospective based on the immense collections of Michel J. Morlent and Ginette Aulombard-Morlent. Expect to see some magnificent pieces!

The foundations of a city…

The Thomas Dobrée Archeological Museum in Nantes will for the duration of this exhibition become a gateway allowing you to travel back in time. Discover the history of Nantes and the region, from prehistory to the year one thousand.

From the apparition of humans to the first settlement, witness the birth and evolution of a city.

Music above all else…

Bénodet will be alive and buzzing this summer with countless musical performances, shows and other free activities.

Holidaymakers will have a chance to enjoy some quality acts from local bands like Ridan, the Baobab Orchestra, or Dan Ar Braz. Expect some delightful music and a great ambiance in Bénodet this summer.

The once and future king.

This first ever exhibition dedicated to the legend of King Arthur aims to retrace, understand and explain the mythology related to Arthur. This event boasts the prestigious "Exposition d'intérêt national" label (or "exhibition of interest to the nation") which is granted by the ministry of culture.

This legend is one if not the most important literary and artistic theme in European culture, and it has always been a highly-popular story. The Champs Libre exhibition aims to reveal the actual King arthur, the keystone of a veritable literary institution that blends magic, war and love… Aside the actual historical fact, this expo refers to old sources as much as contemporary adaptations, in order to better understand the birth of an almost universal legend.

Over 200 works linked to the myth will be on display, along with a number of historical and iconographical documents.

Made in America.

Born in Le Havre in 1778, Charles-Alexandre Lesueur was an artist who depicted his home town for the first half of the 19th century.

The city, port and cliffs of La Hève were the subjects of hundreds of his works. The exhibition will be displaying 30 or so paintings which retrace the development of the city through the artist's eye.

Yet, Lesueur also travelled to the USA for 21 years during which he "sketched" the great nation from a variety of angles. A fascinating exhibition.

Walking through mindscapes.

Myriam Mechita, who boasts an Aggregation in plastic arts, is forever focused on her work.

Her latest installation, "Entrer dans la nuit de la nuit (i’m an animal)", is peopled with singular, unusual elements. Highly original, her material echoes current events. Pearls, tapestries, drawings, sculptures, screenings… Her work is a weave of art forms, a multi-medium landscape that shocks, interests and draws people in.

Contemporary tapestry…

Atelier 3 ("Workshop 3") was formed in Paris in 1972, in the midst of the Nouvelle Tapisserie movement. Three figures were behind this creation: Frédérique Bachellerie, Peter Schönwald and Michel Slaghenauffi (who left the group in 1978).

Over 700 tapestries have been made in the past 30 years in the confines of this workshop, with over 70 artists collaborating with Atelier 3. These include Man Ray, whose "Revolving Doors" spawned 10 tapestries, but also Corneille, Jorn-Wemaëre, Lindström, Arman, Combas and Downing...

Aside the artwork itself, the workshop members have been researching innovative and sometimes unsettling materials and techniques to apply to their artwork. Always open to new and difficult projects, they are very much in tune with contemporary creation in their field.

Miaouw?

Here is an exhibition with definite character, a real savage presence… You might (hopefully not literally) bump into lions, tigers, leopards and other big cats including rare species such as snow panthers, lynx's, etc.

This beautiful collection of photographs is a great way to witness these graceful killers from a safe distance.

Graphic deconstruction.

Maurice Douard, artist of international repute, will be presenting a collection of his works as part of the Solitaires ("Loners") exhibition. Visitors will discover a world of art that bespeaks a troubled life, evocations of hard experiences but also a hint of warmth and affection.

Douard's painted characters are fragmented and then reassembled. The play of light in each work ultimately leads to a common trait in all of his creations: a moment of graphic deconstruction…

A garden that jumps off the page.

The Chantenay library will be displaying a collection of art-photos signed Jean Renaudineau for this exceptional "Couleurs et saveurs du jardin" exhibition.

Over 30 works will be on display and all are focused on a bucolic, refreshing theme: tomatoes! The visitor will be drawn into a lush green and red world full of summertime flavours…

The alphabet of history…

Museum collections have often been put together by seemingly ordinary men who were no more than victims of circumstance; brought by chance to discover a field of research, they often became passionate scholars, archeologists or explorers…

For example, naturalist Frédéric Cailliaud came across egyptian civilisation during the Napoleonic campaigns. In 1882 he embarked on an expidition up the Nile to the antique city of Meroë - he returned with countless artefacts and a mine of information. There is also Louis Audemard who travelled to Carthage in 1889 and brought back a collection of funerary urns…

These botanists, mineralogists, doctors, printers, artists, preachers and explorers all shared a common culture - they worshipped curiosity and asked only to transmit what they had learned.

Light-giving music.

The theme for this 2008 edition of the Musicales de Blanchardeau will be "L'esprit des Lumières or "the enlightened spirit".

The Age of Enlightenment brings to mind writers and philosophers of the 18th century, often in terms of avant guarde thoughts and democracy. Yet, musicians too were subject to these new thoughts: Mozart in particular was interested in the new currents of ideas flowing at the time.

His operas, such as Don Juan, Figaro's Wedding are rich with such grand themes as Freedom, Happiness and Knowledge in opposition to abusive power.

Boxes dedicated to Life.

Living Box is a unique vision of contemporary art - it is focused on a number of artists who have begun to question the political, economic and ecological frameworks of the world today. This event is an invitation to rethink one's conceptions of architecture and fashion, furniture and everyday objects…

The exhibition is a collection of liveable spaces, "Living Boxes", small-scale architecture (a room, a cell) which brings to mind the eponymous work of Patrick Van Caeckenbergh (a space in which he lived for five years). Also, we are reminded of Absalon's cells, and the rooms of Sylvie Fleury or Dominique Donzalez-Foerster.

Art, Music and Fun!

Once again this year the [F]Estivales is back. The now-famous "café de l'été" (or "summer café"), which has been going for 19 years, is a series of free concerts every Thursday and Friday (July 3rd to August 15th) on the lush lawn of the town hall's garden.

Another great event, the "terrasses Nap" (or "Nap terraces", short for Napoleon): 7 concerts by talented local performers, completely free of charge, taking place every Friday (July 11th to August 22nd) on the place Napoléon.

That's already quite a programme, but there's more: theatre, exhibitions, open-air dancing balls, outdoor movie projections, a fireworks display, guided tours… The [F]Estivales isn't just an event, its a whole season of art, music and fun!

Professional amateurs…

The In fine, Sans réserve exhibit is made up of 40 or so works that span from the 15th to the 20th century.

There is no overriding theme or historic timeline. The group was free to organise the display space along their own rules: parallels, a taste for this or that, a dialogue between the works… This subjective, almost whimsical approach is backed by serious, extensive documentation for each piece.

The group-members are not professionals and yet each has his own experience, his point of view as a spectator, and this provides a solid method for the elaboration of a display space which gives visitors the best possible experience…

Art shows without telling.

This exhibition, entitled Huile sur toile or "Oil on Canvas", deals with the representation of American art on the silver screen - the focus is mass market feature films. Indeed, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of American art since the 80s, and in parallel the film industry has become a showcase for various artists, with an increasing amount of artwork appearing on screen. Often, these appearances aim to transmit a message, often subliminally, to the spectator.

Art in films is a quick reference, a hint, which adds colour, historic or cultural depth or background, or it can be an integral part of plot, dialogue, etc. When you see the portraits of American presidents lurking in the background of many a picture set in the white house, it is definitely an allusion to national history, patriotism or glory, while the immense post-war abstract or minimalist works on the walls of Wall Street buildings bring to mind money or power…

The old man and the sea…

André Dauchez is a talented landscape painter who has an exceptional ability to capture the typical Breton lighting and general atmosphere.

The exhibition will display a large number of works, paintings, photographs and personal objects. Don't miss out on this moving homage to a great artist.

Food fit for a king.

Twenty or so producers, farmers, artisans and local businesses in Vendée make this gastronomical tour possible by providing their delicious, fresh or traditional products. Farm-reared chicken, honey, bread…

This year the specialty will be fresh, authentic dishes, pastry, candy, and you can even explore a beehive in full "battle-armour"! A great way to meet people and sample some delectable treats.

A unique folklore…

The Espace Faïence, in collaboration with the Breton museum (musée départemental breton) is organising an exhibition dedicated to Breton history.

The round hats, the "bigoud" headdresses, clogs and other "Bretoneries"… Born from a particular phase in 19th-century Breton decorative arts, these are the elements of an imaginary vision that makes up the collective Breton culture.

Le Petit Breton à Malicorne is about a unique and fascinating folklore. The exhibition draws from the works of Hippolyte Lalaisse, and the famous Breton icon created by Léon Pouplard.

Gorillas in today's world.

The Museum of Natural History in Nantes, working together with the Rennes Espace des sciences and the Palais de la découverte, is organising an expo dedicated to the king of primates, the elusive, mysterious gorilla.

This animal, born out of the African forest, is an important symbol for many faiths and religious systems. The exhibition will be broken into two sections, both of which attempt to reveal the true nature of these fascinating creatures.

Five themes underpin this event: "Brute or BFG (Big Friendly Giant)?"; "Gorilla and man, a common heritage"; "Gorillas and the tropical forest"; "Watching Gorillas"; and finally "Gorillas in Danger".

This last theme will be a stepping stone onto the next section of the exhibition which aims to discuss what is affecting the life and habitat of the gorilla and what the future holds for this awe-inspiring animal.

Shedding light on Raymond.

The local contemporary arts centre (FRAC) organises an exhibition once a year in Clisson.

Marion Daniel, who had directed the creation of the Raymond Hains, la Boite a fiches photo-book, published for his eponymous exhibition in Saint-Brieuc in 03-04. This year, she has been invited by the FRAC to exhibit a selection of public works relating to Hains which shed a different light on the artist's work, in particular its connection to younger generations.

Varini: infinite variation

Since the 80's, Felice Varini has been working on painting techniques that experiment with architectural space. Using perspective as a descriptive mechanism, he settled on a particular architectural concept as his key, as a lens and vehicle through which architecture mimics common geometic designs. These forms open up and break down into fragments.

Felice Varini will be displaying his Suite de triangles ("Series of Triangles") at the Saint-Nazaire harbour.

A story to commemorate the fallen.

This expo will be telling a story. The story of the World Trade Center; of an attack in 2001; of firemen and rescue workers and construction workers; of a police force and hospital workers; of the 2 700 people who lost their lives; and finally of the response that these events brought about…

These powerful themes are the very soul of this exhibition built on a collection of personal objects, pictures, films, testimonies and remains found amidst a mountain of rubble. The tale of rescue operations will be told through various things… Things that we all use in everyday life, objects, fragments, debris, a crooked steering wheel, a souvenir…

From swing to rhythm and blues…

From swing to rhythm and blues and even some choreographed street dance…the best music and the best dancers find their place in a succession of different sets presenting acrobatics, vocals, magic and dance.

To bring out the very best response in the audience, the troop of artists and magicians pull out all the stops: virtuosity, energy, seduction, glamour, etc.

This is a review that is suitable for families, offering everyone an evening of spectacular entertainment.

Eden in Coutances.

The Jardin des Plantes in Coutance was created under the Second French Empire and remains one of the oldest in Normandy.

The park manages the subtle balance between symmetry à la française, the copses of an English garden and Italian-style terraces. This park is unique for its rare trees, floral arrangements and expansive mosaics, but it is the labyrinth in particular which makes it an ideal place for daydreaming or taking a stroll.

The beast within the mind…

Discover a world of unicorns, dragons, giants, Krakens, griffins and so many more unimaginable imaginary creatures…

This exhibition will be a fascinating experience for young and old, a trip into the mindscapes of history's great civilisations. Don't miss out on this fantastic journey into a world like no other.

A hidden gem.

Charles Frechon is one of the landmark painters of 19th and early 20th-century art scene in Rouen. Unfortunately, his was what one could call a regional reputation.

When he exhibited his work, the highly-conservative art world in Rouen would scoff and lift their noses… And yet today, paradoxically, he has become an emblematic figure associated with "the country"; he is the salt of the earth on the French artistic landscape.

This retrospective exhibition will be an opportunity to consider this artist's career in depth, and from there to understand how this hidden gem was at the forefront of the "school of Rouen", one of the more unexpected fruits of the impressionist movement.

Feel the fiber of their fabric.

The Maison de l'Ange and adjoining park will be completing their 2008 summer cloth display with a number of 19th century textiles. Of the 6 000 pieces that make up the entire collection, only the most interesting have been put on display (those with known background, specific origin and date of production…).

There will be no flourish or flamboyance, only open drawers and closets, the secret rooms made public, and temporary installations that give the visitor an opportunity to admire the intricate detail of each item.

Artistic homage.

The "Appartement témoin Perret" is a museum in Le Havre dedicated to the work and life of architect and interior designed Auguste Perret, the mind that practically redesigned the city in the post-war era. Plastic artist Pascal Monteil decided to honour Perret's aesthetic ideal by creating a photographic exhibition based on The Human Voice, a one-act opera by Jean Cocteau. This photographic diptych will give a sense of drama and depth to this fascinating museum-apartment.

Normady goes Goth-style…

This exhibition was timed for the inauguration of the new Salles des Ramparts ("Ramparts Hall") of the Normandy museum. "Chefs-d'œuvre du Gothique en Normandie" is dedicated to Gothic art in Normandy, and in particular local art production as can be found ornamenting Medieval monuments.

This relatively unknown period will be revealed to the public thanks to decorative sculptures and monuments throughout the five counties of the Normandy region. This exhibition will represent the largest concentration of Normandy art and sculpture in history.

A century of variety, a century of beauty.

Delve into the heart of an artistic golden age, the rich and varied 20th century, through this significant collection of paintings, sculptures, photos and drawings put together by the Evreux museum.

Aside the actual exhibition, it is interesting to notice the sharp contrast between the "bishopric" architecture of the edifice and the refinement of the artwork within. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic vision of the trends and movements of 20th century art, all the while touring a beautiful historic edifice (listed since 1907).

Everyday life in empty spaces.

Tatiana Trouvé, winner of the 2007 Marcel Duchamp award, has been working on a series of projects at the FRAC (a regional contemporary art fund). This recent work tells us a great deal about her rapid artistic evolution.

Trouvé's landmark installation is the Bureau of Implicit Activities (Bureau des Activités Implicites or BAI). Set up since 1997, this expansive piece is made up of complex architectural modules each of which is a spatial representation of different components of her everyday life ("Administrative Module", "Waiting Module"…). Over time the BAI was added to with Polders (Dutch word for artificial islands or land expansion) - these elements defy normal scale and are grafted to the BAI like so many new "compartments" or activities in one's life.

More recently, her work has been focused on a functional space with no function, a meaningless, nameless sculpture, drawing or installation that is nevertheless filled with a sense of potentiality...