Art in Aix......

Most people head off along the Cezanne trail when in Aix-en-Provence visiting his studio, his country home Jas de Bouffan, and the Gallery that houses some of his works, as after all he is the city's most famous son - but you can also follow an op art trail by visiting the quirky Foundation that houses the work of Hungarian-French artist Vasarely. Considered the earliest pioneer of Op Art with his 1930s work "Zebra" in Paris, he certainly developed into a master of the movement.....

Wander around the various galleries and marvel at the large scale works on display which confound the eye with their impressive optical illusions...where flat surface shapes seem to be either bursting out at you or shrinking back from your gaze....

The building itself was designed especially by Vasarely to display his works, and was opened in 1976. It is well worth a visit when you are next in Aix......Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 143 - Jas de Bouffan

Jas de Bouffan is the country manor house owned by the Cezanne family on the edge of Aix en Provence. Cezanne attended the local lycee and started studying Law at university before switching to art school. His father gave him the Grand Salon of the house for painting, and Cezanne painted murals directly on the walls which are now recreated on the tour by a strange son et lumiere experience. The house has only been opened to the public in the past 6 years, and the interior now has a sad sense of abandonment, but it was interesting to see some of these removed paintings on display in the National Gallery in London a few days later....

The approach to the house is quite impressive with a long driveway lined by tall towering plane trees, and it is interesting to see how the shadow patterns cast by these trees can change so radically over just a few hours....

The house is certainly worth a visit if you are in the area - only available by guided tour booked in advance at the Tourist Office in Aix en Provence. Check out Shadow Shot Sunday for more shadows....Enjoy!!

Weekend Reflections 7 - Jas de Bouffan

More reflections this week from the Cezanne family's country manor house "Jas de Bouffan" in Aix en Provence - a place with lovely grounds and gardens in addition to the house itself......

For more reflective photography check out Weekend Reflections......Enjoy!!

Atelier Cezanne - Aix en Provence

Aix en Provence's most famous son is Cezanne the artist, and here just fifteen minutes walk from the centre of town, is the studio that Cezanne used for the final four years of his life from 1902 - 1906. It was purpose built to the artist's own specifications and the back wall made entirely of glass lets in the soft northern light....

It is a most delightful spot to visit as it exudes so mush rustic charm and simplicity. The interior is beautifully preserved with the original furniture, easels, frames, sketchbooks, letters, photographs and still life props such as the skulls and ceramics.....

The studio is set in a wild garden with woodland, and perhaps this sepia treatment turns the clock back to evoke how it may have been in times gone by.....

Shadow Shot Sunday 142 - Aix en Provence

 The sharp light and honey-coloured stone in Aix en Provence sets the scene for some striking shadow shots in the late afternoon wandering the narrow lanes and alleys. The architecture of this stunning historic university town in the heart of Provence is most impressive. Originally the Roman town of Aquae Sextie, the University was founded in 1409 and a later burgeoning in prosperity ensured wonderful 17th and 18th century baroque architecture including the fountains in every square.....

Keep looking up at the buildings and find all the wonderful niches filled with images of the Virgin Mary and other religious figures...

The beautiful stonework and statuary continues in this interesting monument just North of the University....

And check out the way in which the honey stonework quite literally turns to gold at five in the afternoon - aptly named by photographers as the golden hour.....

For more shadow shots this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday...Enjoy!!

Weekend Reflections 6 - Aix en Provence

The Cezanne family's countryside manor house Jas de Bouffan is the setting for this week's reflection shot - I felt like turning back the clock by steeping the scene in sepia. More on Cezanne, Jas de Bouffan, and Aix en Provence in posts later this week. In the meantime explore more artistic reflections by clicking here for the meme Weekend Reflections...Enjoy!!