Time for Art exhibitions
December 4, 2015
Feeling like visiting some art exhibitions with me ? The Season for various cultural events is on again.
So let’s follow the curious chickens into the galleries…
Albert Chavaz was a Swiss painter (1907-1990) who left a great amount of oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, drawings; he was a sculptor as well as a Master glassmaker; so many beautiful windows he created in churches, chapels and official buildings. I visited his studio with one of his daughters. Everything has been left untouched since he passed.
In another gallery, I admired other sculptures created by Pierre Loye, an artist living in the Valais area in Switzerland. “The Travellers”, as the artwork below is named, has been carved in a single piece of wood (lime tree) A few people are on the road, their house is turned upside down definitely meaning: “We are away and will not be in for a long time”! Imagination and talent !
Pierre Loye is also a painter. Two of his inimitable characters stand on their window like on a flying carpet…opening to the wide world. At least this is what I imagined !
To end our visit, let’s go to the Museum of ancient wallpapers in Mezieres, near Fribourg, Switzerland. It is installed in a lovely restored mansion of the 14th century.
Photography (especially with flash) was not permitted for obvious reasons. These old wallpapers, painted, drawn or made out of silk would be damaged by too much artificial light. Here is a postcard of part of a wallpaper called “The two Doves” in the Blue Room.
No flash was needed in a brightly lit room to show you a ancient chest or writing table ? It was lined with a decorative wallpaper.
A surprise in another room ! An old Korean bicycle carrying a huge load of colorful bundles of various objects and materials called “Bottari Tricycle (2008)” This old tricycle was loaded with about twenty “Bottaris” which are multicolored sheets used in Korea to transport the basic tools of a household. Kimsooja (*1957), the artist, describes these Bottaris as symbols of a nomadic world, a form of simple and mobile life. This is becoming more common in our global society.
Here are a few examples of ancient wallpapers of the 19th century… in the form of wrapping papers and postcards.
It was a lovely autumnal Sunday afternoon, hardly anybody but me in this small museum. Who could blame them when the landscape was so inviting for a walk ? Which I did later on.
Thanks for joining me !
Isathreadsoflife's Blog 
I’m very taken with that wooden sculpture. But the scenery would soon draw me outside for a wander …
There were more wooden sculptures of this kind. I was impressed by the artist’s talent and the idea behind this “upside down” house. It reminded me of the small roofless cottages in Ireland’s countryside. I am not sure of the reason why roofs were taken away though. Eviction ? Emigration during the Great Famine ? You and your dogs would have enjoyed walking with me and Ninio-the-Beagle along the fields and woods near the museum. Have a pleasant Sunday, Sybil.
I especially liked the wallpapers. We used wallpaper for so many things when I was young: lining drawers, making notebooks, doing various craft projects. Those wallpapers weren’t flimsy or cheap. They were heavy, and often were decorated with the most lovely designs. It’s fun seeing some again.
I like the upside down house, too. Most of the time, my house seems to be upside down, but I’m still here — generally trying to put it to rights!
I thought of you the other day. I shared your post about the wonderful cemetery with the similar wooden markers with a photographer friend. You always give us such interesting and memoriable glimpses into your world!
Hello Linda, I do not remember us using wallpapers for lining drawers or doing other craft projects although they could have been of interest indeed. Their design has changed so much over the years. From the delicate ancient drawings sort to the bright and rather invasive “flower power” style.
Thanks for sharing one of my posts with your photographer friend. I remember the time spent walking around this particular cemetery and wondering about each person under each wooden sculpture. All the best, Linda.
I enjoyed the work place of the artist that made glass. And all the other ones are unique in their own way. A very nice post, Isa
Hello Yvonne and thank you for the visit. I too loved the work place of Chavaz. His tools were there as if waiting for someone who would go on with his unfinished works. An old “grandfather’s armchair” was there too, covered with a still pretty patchwork cushion. The artist’s spirit was still around, for sure. All the best to you, dear Yvonne.
Art Museums are – like your lovely post here – often so nice and peaceful and full of cultural inspiration. AROS (our local art museum here in Århus – Aros is the old name for Århus 🙂 ) has a nice exhibition of Monet and other impressionist right now – it was a nice experience to visit…..
Hello Truels, please excuse my delay in answering you nice comment on my blog. I remember having seen pictures of this museum AROS on your blog a while ago. Impressionist painters are amongst my favorites too, I never miss an exhibition whenever possible.
Wishing you a happy Holiday Season, dear Truels and a wonderful New Year !. Thanks for visiting.
I send you all my best wishes for a lovely Christmas and a peaceful and happy 2016.