The opulence and extravagance of this part of France is renowned - from the multimillion dollar (or is that Euro?) villas to the huge luxury yachts plying the waters of the Med. However, there are other kinds of richness that cannot, and should, not be overlooked. The natural scenery of this area is so breathtakingly beautiful that one runs out of superlatives trying to describe it. The geography is amazing and the contrast between the sea and the mountains is a feast for the eyes. It is no wonder that the scenery, climate, light and colours here drew, and continue to draw, so many talented artists. So, in addition to the financial and geograph wealth, the area is also rich with art galleries and museums showcasing these artists. One of the benefits of travelling with people who have some different interests than you is that you get exposed to new things. This trip has been enlightening for me from an art perspective. Both Karol and Gail know a lot about it; me, I'm more of whatever the "luddite" version of knowledge of art is! So, it was a great experience and very informative to visit some of many art museums here with two people who are knowledgeable. In Antibes, we went to the Picasso Museum; in Cagnes sur Mer, we visited Renoir's house; we wandered through La Chappelle Rosaire in Vence designed by Henri Matisse; in Saint Paul de Vence, it was a visit to the world-renowned Maeght Foundation; and, yesterday, our last day in this region, featured a trip to the Jean Cocteau museum in Menton. The Maeght, which features modern art, has a special exhibition on right now called "Les Aventures de la Verite" (Adventures of Truth) which contrasts art and philosophy. It was a challenge to understand much of it but it certainly was interesting. As I stood in front of one of the collection's permanent statues in the garden trying to figure it out, Gail said to me, "Maureen, you don't have to understand it. You just have to feel it!" Maybe that is the answer.
The next day, in Menton, we wandered through an amazing exhibit in the Jean Cocteau Museum featuring works by him as well as Picasso and Matisse. Now, I have to admit, I'd never heard of Cocteau (and when Karol and Gail first starting to talk about this person, I thought they meant Jacques Cousteau!) but I now feel blessed to have seen many of the works of this obviously talented person. However, no matter how hard I try, I never will "get" Picasso!
So, any trip here should include soaking up the wealth of art as well as the other riches this area has to offer.
No comments:
Post a Comment