I had the chance in February to visit a part of the collection of cars of HSH the Prince of Monaco exposed at the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse in the South of Alsace.

Just the museum is already an incredible experience, as it’s one of the biggest car collections in the world, and you can walk between some of the first cars ever made, a few formula ones, and even Bugatti cars such as the Bugatti Veyron, mostly famous for breaking the 400km/h milestone and being one of the first cars sold at more than 1,000,000 €.

This particular exhibition, named From Monaco To Mulhouse, was really nice and I recommend it to everyone who has the chance to go to this museum. It showed around twenty cars but I’m only going to describe to you the ones that left a mark on my mind.

First, a replica made between 2007 and 2008 of the first motorbike of the Prince of Monaco Albert the 1st from the beginning of the 20th century. The prince travelled multiple times in France with this bike, the Humber 2.75 hp, which has a
maximum speed of 40 km/h. There was also a rally car, the MG Metro 6R4 which only competed for one year in Group B, probably the most famous category in rally history, and competed at the Monte Carlo. And finally: a formula 1 Jordan type 193, with a V10 and a chassis entirely in carbon fibre, from the Sard team in the 80s which had as a pilot the famous Rubens Barrichello.

I really recommend this show, if you like cars and motor sports. It’s an amazing experience as you can admire wonderful cars and learn about them with well-made explanations.

Julien Dousseaud

 

Last week I went to the little town of Saint-Georges-de-Mons to listen to a brass ensemble concert, which really caught my imagination. This group of around thirty musicians, most of whom are children, impressed me: they interpreted some famous pieces of music in a very accurate way all along the one-hour concert.

Moreover, I admired the conductor, Stéphane, because organizing this ambitious project must have been challenging: the musicians are students and teachers from various music schools which are not that close (Riom, Vic-le-Comte, Combrailles and Aigueperse). Some of the musicians weren’t present; they should have been forty in total.

Anyway, having a big group of brass instruments was a real blast! You could not help but clap your hands at the El Condor Pasa chorus; the talented young drummer really boosted the whole piece.

In my opinion, such initiatives are essential to foster young (or not so young 😉) people to learn to play instruments that are becoming less popular; there was a wide range of brass instruments on display but there were still a lot more trumpets than trombones or tubas...

You should really listen to this group; don’t miss their next concert in Riom!

Bastien Moiroux

Did you know that the famous French rapper Orelsan has formed a Rap group called Casseurs Flowters with his friend Christophe Offenstein aka Gringe? And did you know that they've made a film that’s like a musical comedy? This film, which came out in 2015, is called "Comment c'est loin" and is about two lazy rappers in their thirties.

Orelsan works nights in a small hotel, and Gringe doesn't work because he finds the job too lazy. They had a hit ten years previously, but since then they haven't been able to write a single piece of music despite being recruited by producers. So, during the film, their producers are going to give them just one day to do a piece of music otherwise they will no longer have access to the music equipment.

The film take place in the suburbs of a provincial town in Normandy in France. So the decor is simple, but I think that’s good and more realistic, because it represents the "lame" city that Orelsan often talks about in his lyrics, especially in his song "la pluie".

In addition to the realistic setting, what I really like about this film is the humour, which is very much in evidence. Despite their bad situation, the two friends always use humour, which shows the nonchalance of the two characters, representative of a certain youth.

Another thing I really like are the several songs. These songs, which later became an album, are very well written and well introduced in the film. My favourite song is "Inachevé", the song that concludes the film, because I love the instrumental side, but also the lyrics. The lyrics really represent Orelsan and Gringe, but you can really identify with them yourself. There's also a real message behind this music: don't leave anything unfinished in life. Moreover the “Casseurs Flowters” sing their texts with a lot of energy and there are songs that have really something to say.

I really recommend this film, which has a simple story, a simple setting, and is full of humour, great characters, music and life lessons.

Marius DURAND

 

The Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij (the Steam Company from the Veluwe) is an historical experience situated between Apeldoorn and Dieren (near Arnhem) in the Netherlands. The most historically accurate station is the “Museumstation Beekbergen” situated in the village of Lieren. This is the station where the locomotives that are not in use on the track are kept and can be viewed by visitors. The tickets are also accurate for the time period during which these locomotives were widely in use.

Once on board, there is a special old-time newspaper containing information on the history of the particular track the train rides on, the current workings of this historical experience, information cards for the different locomotives, as well as a few fun games for children and a QR-code to get the app that goes with the experience (note: the app isn’t compatible with all devices).

The staff wear time-accurate uniforms. It is interesting to note here that all members of staff are volunteers. The train contains a dining car and has wheelchair accessible seating in some of the train carriages as well.

Over all, the experience is pleasant and perfect for both families and steam train enthusiasts.

Franciska Wilmer

Do you know the story of Walter McMillan and Bryan Stevenson? I suggest the best way for you to get to know it is through the film Just Mercy on Netflix.

First of all, this film tells the real story of these men. McMillan, a Black man, was accused of murder in Alabama. Actually, during this story, we follow McMillan’s lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, who is played by the famous and beautiful actor Michael B. Jordan. The story takes place in 1988; there was a lot of discrimination against Blacks back then. In fact, McMillan was actually wrongly accused and sentenced to death because of the judicial system in the 80s. So, with his friends, his family and his lawyer he tried to get out of prison. Bryan Stevenson was the first lawyer to believe in his release, because he fought for Black people’s rights. The fact that this film is based on a real story makes it very interesting. Moreover, we can see the struggle of Black people for equality and how they managed to have more of it.

Just Mercy has the power to touch everyone who watches it because we can feel all the emotions of the characters. Furthermore, it deals with the real hard lives of the Black Americans in the USA, in particular in Alabama, and the impact that one person can have on their lives. Another point is that we also want to save McMillan and help him get his release because we can feel all his pain as well as that of his family and friends.

So, go see this film because I think it can really touch you!

Clara Legrand

 

Vincent Van Gogh said: “In art, one must give one’s heart and soul”. He did indeed give everything; he even lost his mind...

Recently, I discovered the Vincent Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. At first, the exhibition seemed to be just one more boring exhibition: dozens of paintings aligned on a wall, nothing exciting. Moreover, crowds of people were taking pictures without even looking at the actual paintings, which was exasperating.

This exhibition is very boring if you take it lightly. I promise that it’s worth going to see it if you make the effort to dig a little deeper because when you stop thinking a second, and then truly look at it, you realize that it’s not a simple piece of art in front of you, it’s a painting by VAN GOGH! And then, you're transported to a different world...

I have seen the world as Van Gogh once did, maybe a little deformed but full of bright colours, so many that he had to represent his world accurately with millions of little brushstrokes (inspired by Impressionism). I was in his mind, feeling all of his expectations about life, all of his hope, all of his pain.

Depending on the painting’s subject, I passed from one emotion to another: calm and peaceful in front of Almond Blossom, deeply depressed when I looked at his last painting. Sometimes, I felt a little crazy, like Vincent was. But isn’t it the case for every genius?

It’s definitely not the same when you look at Van Gogh’s arts on the internet, that’s the reason why you must go to this exhibition. Here, you feel like those effusions of colour are going to suck you into the scene. You feel hypnotized; I wasn’t just looking at this art, I LIVED it, and it was beyond words. I was captivated, heart and soul.

Clémentine Blanc

 

 

The real Nicholas Winton and one of the 669 children he saved.

During the last holidays, I went to the cinema to see the movie "One Life". It tells the story of an Englishman, Nicholas Winton, who saved more than 600 Jewish children during the Second World War. He organised convoys between Prague and England and sheltered the children with volunteer families.

This movies makes you realise the horror of what people did during the War. Some of the scenes touched me deeply, particularly those showing the separation of the children from their parents, knowing that this would surely be the last time they would see them.

Although the story is difficult, I felt a great deal of admiration and gratitude for the hero: Mr Winton. He risked his life to save hundreds of children and yet few people know his story, which is a great shame! Fortunately, this movie pays him tribute and he has at last got the thanks he deserves.

Finally, this story really moved me and left its mark; I'll never forget Mr Winton. That's why I strongly recommend that you take two hours to go and see it; you won't regret it!

Elsa Luans

 

During the holidays, I went to see a movie at the cinema entitled One Life. It’s an historical movie that deals with the story of a man who saved several hundred children during the Second World War.

Even if I don’t like this kind of movie normally, this one really fascinated me. I really recommend it, it was astonishing. It’s so interesting to learn about the past in this way. Moreover, the scenario is really well directed and we feel the emotions of the actors so strongly.

Do go and watch the movie if you can!

Noémie Peynet

Having watched the documentary Amy some time ago, which tells the life of Amy Winehouse in a captivating way, I was eager to watch the biopic “Back to Black” when it was released. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned into disappointment, as I found the film dull and boring for a woman whose life was anything but boring.

A major flaw of the film is its inability to provide a clear timeline. Dates are missing, making it difficult to follow Amy's journey. The depiction of Amy's love life is also disorganized. We see her meeting Blake, their budding romance, a romantic day at the zoo, and then their sudden separation. The film gives the impression that their relationship lasted only a few moments, whereas in reality, they were together for a significant period, with a deeply passionate and tumultuous relationship.

For those who don't know the true story of Amy Winehouse, the film presents, in my opinion, a misleading narrative. It simplifies her struggles, portraying her as a lonely depressive who fell into drugs, without giving the context. This contrasts strongly with reality, where her boyfriend Blake played a big role in introducing her to hard drugs, and the fact that her father failed to protect her from the pressures of fame. The biopic barely touches on the crucial issue of hard drugs, which were at the heart of her tragic downfall.

Although the actors' performances are commendable and some scenes, like her last concert, are well done, the film as a whole fails to capture the essence of Amy Winehouse's life. It glosses over critical aspects and offers an incomplete and sanitized version of her reality. For a figure as complex and vibrant as Amy, this biopic does her a great disservice.

Ines Roquet

Are you a High School or University student? Do you want to join the UN? You don't have to go to New York, the United Nations is coming to Clermont-Ferrand for a week! ClerMUN certainly gives the illusion of this, with its elegant students, its speeches in English, and the presence of renowned speakers, such as representatives of Michelin, Limagrain and UNRIC, as well as the US Ambassador to Lyon, and not forgetting the former UN Deputy Secretary General in charge of peacekeeping operations: Alain Le Roy, who brought a professional and global dimension to the event.

This 4th edition of the international conference on United Nations modelling in Clermont-Ferrand, ClerMUN, brilliantly orchestrated by the Lycée Massillon at the Hôtel de Région in November 2023, has established its place as a key event in the region's educational and diplomatic scene.

The theme of this year's event was prosperity and development, and it brilliantly highlighted the urgency and scale of the challenges facing our world, while underlining the profound inequalities and questions of justice that arise from them.

Over the course of 3 days, more than 60 high school students from Clermont-Ferrand and abroad took part in 6 UN committees, including UNSC, WHO, FAO, UNHCR and ICJ, to debate issues such as sustainable peace in Libya, food exports to conflict-affected countries, global access to healthcare and the establishment of an international social security system.

The Clermont-Ferrand headquarters of the Region provided an exceptional platform for high-quality debates, driven by the careful preparation of the delegations and their passion for the issues addressed, as manifested by active and committed participation from the ambassadors.

This 4th edition ended with a gala "mun party" at the Lycée Massillon, concluding this immersion in the inner workings of international diplomacy. ClerMUN offers a unique opportunity for these young people to get to grips with the workings of global governance in a context that is both studious and entertaining.

Among other benefits, it enables them to develop their skills in negotiation, diplomacy, rhetoric and communication. Beyond the knowledge they gain in understanding global issues, ClerMUN also enables them to build long-term links with young people from foreign delegations who share the same aspirations for a better future. In this way, ClerMUN is established as a not-to-be-missed event, making a significant contribution to the training of tomorrow's leaders!

DESCHAUMES Timothée

I recently had the chance to visit the LILOU exhibition and can't recommend it highly enough. As soon as I entered, I was impressed by the quality of the works presented. The exhibition offered an intimate insight into the life of this young autistic man through the eyes of his sister, harmoniously blending technique and feeling.

The photos on display were not only aesthetically impressive, but also carried profound and powerful messages. Each photo told a piece of his story, arousing in me a sincere emotion.

What's more, the organization of the exhibition was exemplary. The space was laid out in such a way as to highlight each photo, while offering visitors an immersive, fluid experience. The information provided on the artists and works was clear and interesting, enabling a better understanding of his daily life.

Finally, the exhibition staff was welcoming, attentive and passionate, all of which helped to make my visit even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, the LILOU exhibition is a must-see for all photography enthusiasts, but also for anyone wanting to develop a new perspective on autism. An enriching photographic and human experience that I warmly recommend to all.

If you want to visit this exhibition go to 5 rue de la Treille, Clermont-Ferrand every Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 6.30pm from 12/04 to 18/05.

Helena Lixi

 

Oppenheimer movie review

Oppenheimer is a biopic which was released on the 19th July 2023. The movie focuses on the famous scientist who initiated the Manhattan project.

Oppenheimer’s personal story is well presented in this movie. Between 1926 and 1929, Oppenheimer wrote his doctoral thesis in Europe (unfortunately, the important people that had a huge influence on him, such as Paul Dirac or Max Born, are not mentioned). During the scenes about him coming to America, we are introduced to the theories of quantum mechanics, which he pioneered. Christopher Nolan, the movie director, highlights this in his movie. The film shows quite a bit of the historical context, helping us understand the need for the creation of the atomic bomb. We learn for example that McCarthyism is ubiquitous in North America during this period.

The movie is well directed, the special effects are impressive, and the music composed by Ludwig Göransson is very coherent with the movie. The absence of action might make the movie seem overlong, but the people who want to learn more about Oppenheimer will love it. Moreover, it is pretty interesting to see the political aspect of his live, his dealings with the American Government. His ideas on what he wanted to do after the creation of the atomic bomb are mentioned. He says the famous line: “Now I become death, the destroyer of the world” (https://youtu.be/lb13ynu3Iac). The cast is star-studded: Cillian Murphy is Oppenheimer (he won the Oscar for his portrayal), Robert Downey Jr is Lewis Strauss, the President of the Atomic Energy Commission, Matt Damon is Leslie Groves, the Army general.

Oppenheimer is one of the best movies of 2023, it tells the story of a famous scientist who changed the world, and who deserved to be better known. The movie can at times be rather complex, but it is still accessible. Christopher Nolan has done a fine job.

Hinek Sauvant

The question is: to see or not to see Shakespeare's famous masterpiece Hamlet played by the Company Les Dramaticules? The answer is: yes, absolutely!

The C° kept most of the original text and modified other parts to make it accessible to a wider public.

A lot of work has been done on the sets which are quite “busy” and very immersive. The scenery is a beautiful mess of macabre festivities.

Despite the fact that Hamlet is a tragedy, the company manages to make the public laugh from time to time.

What is really innovative is the use of a camera that allows us to have a new point of view of the play depending on what is being recorded. The video is projected on screen at the back of the stage. For example, Hamlet can talk directly to the camera to confess his feelings or it can be used like a hidden camera to show scenes as if the spectator wasn’t supposed to see them. This practice offers (for me) a completely new experience of the theatre.

Jeremie Le Louët, who plays the title role, was wonderful, feigning madness perfectly.

One thing that strikes me is the timelessness of the play. Even though it was written in 1603, Hamlet is still played and still understood. During this particular theatrical performance, you are sure not to get bored (there are plenty of surprise moments!). The modernisation of the play will make you like it.

A word of advice: (re)read the play beforehand, that way you can spot some of the differences from the original and enjoy the adaptation.

Alix LUPO

 

Aventure Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand: an ongoing adventure!

L'Aventure Michelin museum opened its doors in Clermont-Ferrand on January 23rd 2009. It tells the story of the MICHELIN Group's history, heritage and industrial products. The thread running through this story is the tyre, the tyre as a means of getting around faster and more comfortably.

The Michelin Adventure highlights a family story started by two brothers that began in 1889. We witness the evolution of the world of work and the various innovations that have taken place over time. This museum is a place where everyone, whatever their age, can discover the evolution of the tyre in a fun as well as a scientific way.

This museum is not the snap of a particular time, it is more like a film whose ending has yet to be written! It's the story of yesterday, today and tomorrow, where everyone can find something which corresponds to their own centres of interest.

Mae Schmitt

 

During the Christmas holidays, I went with my uncle, aunt and cousins to see the musical “Starmania” at La Seine Musicale in Paris.

“Starmania” was written in 1976 by Michel Berger and Luc Plamondon. It’s three hours long with a twenty-minute interlude. This musical is known worldwide for its iconic songs like “"When we Come to Town" or "The World is Stone". It’s composed of 19 different songs ranging from pop to rock to Electro.

The plot takes place in Monopolis, the new capital of the West, that is scarified by the Black Stars, a gang led by Johnny Rockfort who acts under the influence of Sadia, an agitated pupil, a girl from high society, who cross-dresses in the evening to go down underground and give orders. They all meet at the Underground Café, under the amused gaze of Marie-Jeanne, the automaton waitress.

Above this underground café rises the Golden Tower, a hundred-story structure at the top of which is the office of Zéro Janvier, a billionaire who has got into politics. He bases his electoral crusade on the return to order and the structure of the new infinitesimal world. He therefore becomes the sworn adversary of Johnny Rockfort and the Black Stars. It's in this environment that three similar love stories play out: the insolvable love of Marie-Jeanne for Ziggy, the youthful unisexual and mythomaniac record dealer; the sensational love of Zéro Janvier for Stella, a sex symbol who has just said farewell to the cinema; the passionate love of Johnny Rockfort and Cristal, the story at the centre of the plot. Cristal, star presenter of a TV show called “STARMANIA”, receives a phone call from Sadia who offers her a covert interview with Johnny Rockfort, whose face noone knows. The rendez-vous takes place at the Underground Café. Cristal and Johnny fall in love with each other, and she runs away with him. Sadia therefore loses her hold on the leader of the Black Stars. Cristal thus decides to become the prophet for the Black Stars by transferring corsair dispatches using a neutron camera which allows him to take over the TV airwaves. The themes covered are terrorism, racism, ecological crisis and are therefore very topical, which is very impressive for a musical that was written nearly 40 years ago.

During the show, I was impressed by the voices of the actors which made us go from one emotion to another in very little time. They sang brilliantly while dancing frantically at the same time! The dances were ingeniously choreographed. The decors were very impressive, like the tower in the last scene that was remarkably tall. They were also very well designed, allowing actors to move very freely around the stage while hiding the actors so they could navigate around the stage with hidden stairs. The lights were also super impressive, they were used at their peak potential, changing between warm and cold colours depending on the mood of the scene. The way the lights moved was also very well good: during sad scenes they moved very slowly and during more energetic ones their movements were frenzied. Smoke was also used at some point but, for me, the best piece of specials effect were the rose petals falling from the roof at one point.

To conclude, this musical is an undeniable masterpiece that will be seen as one of the best cyberpunk-themed artworks of all time because of the vision that the authors had of today’s world, which is shockingly accurate. It’s a true, once-in-a-lifetime experience that everybody should try!

Axel Delevaque

Entering the fantasy world of "Matilda The Musical" is like embarking on a journey through the pages of a storybook brought to life on stage. As soon as the comedy begins, the audience is captivated. By the songs, the acting, but especially by the whole universe created by this musical.

What makes "Matilda The Musical" truly remarkable is its ability to enchant audiences of all ages with its story and characters. Watching young Matilda Wormwood challenge the norms of her society and discover her inner strength is inspiring, and it speaks to the incredible talent of the cast and creative team behind the production!

One of my favourite moments of the musical was Matilda’s triumph against the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull during the passage "Revolting Children". As Matilda and her classmates unite in rebellion, the energy on the stage is electric, filling the theatre with a sense of empowerment and joy that is simply contagious.

Moreover, the music of "Matilda The Musical" is an absolute delight from beginning to end. Although it is difficult to choose a single favourite song, "When I Grow Up" stands out as a poignant hymn of childhood dreams, and really impressed me. The haunting melody and sincere lyrics linger long after the final notes fade, leaving a lasting impression on the heart.

Would I recommend "Matilda The Musical"? Absolutely! This production is a must in London for anyone looking for a magical theatrical experience that will leave them spellbound. Whether you are a fan of the novel or the original film or just want to spend an unforgettable moment, "Matilda" offers something for everyone, at any age.

"Matilda The Musical" is a theatrical masterpiece that enchants the audience with its captivating story, unforgettable characters and contagious music. From triumphant moments of rebellion to the melodies of childhood dreams, this production testifies to the power of imagination. I recommend to anyone, of any generation, to live the magic of "Matilda The Musical", because it was for my part undoubtedly the best I have ever seen. Do not miss the opportunity to live this extraordinary journey, an experience that you will cherish for a long time!

Luc Ravel

 

Vulcania: A Blend of Learning and Thrills

Did you know that Europe's oldest and youngest and biggest volcanoes are located in the Auvergne region of France? No surprise then that it’s also the location of Europe’s most brilliant volcanology museum! You need search no further if you're looking for excitement and a greater comprehension of the fiery processes that form our globe: Vulcania is the place to go to!

I can state with certainty that having had the chance to visit Vulcania myself, it's an experience unlike any other. There is a sense of excitement and expectation in the air as soon as you walk in.

Vulcania's dynamic attractions like Dragon Ride 2, Réveil des Géants d’Auvergne (Awakening of the Auvergne Giants), Premier Envol (First Flight), Abyss Explorer, Terre en colère (Angry Earth), and Volcans Sacrés (Sacred volcanoes) promise to immerse you in the world of volcanoes.

Additionally, I promise you that every ride is an exhilarating journey that will leave you wanting more.

But in fact, entering the biggest planetarium in France was even more exciting, perhaps one of the best moments of my trip. I was immediately enthralled with the splendour of the universe and transported to far-off galaxies upon entering. Modern laser projection, 7.1 audio systems, and a 22-meter diameter dome combine to make the planetarium an incredibly engaging audio-visual experience that is not to be missed.

Beyond the fun and games, Vulcania offers a plethora of educational options. Each exhibition aims to inspire and educate, from interactive experiences like Machine Terre to outdoor photo exhibitions like the one on the Chaîne des Puys mountain range.

Vulcania dates back to a project conceived by the famous volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft, and supported by President Giscard d'Estaing, hence the high quality of the museum. Vulcania promises an incredible experience that perfectly combines fun and learning, whether you're a science enthusiast eager to learn or a thrill-seeker in search of adrenalin.

Vulcania isn't just a destination; it's an unforgettable experience. Its mix of excitement, education, and natural beauty left me in awe, and it's no surprise that Vulcania continues to enchant adventurers worldwide. Personally, I can't wait to return and explore even more of what this incredible site has to offer. Discover soon the splendours of the Earth and beyond at Vulcania, where learning and thrills come together in the most perfect way!

Tom Freychet

The famous Théâtre du peuple is located in the little town of Bussang in the Vosges. It was created in 1895 by Maurice Pauttecher. There are large doors at the back of the stage which can be slid back to allow the audience to see the mountains.

In 2023, during the summer holidays, I was lucky enough to see a famous play in this beautiful theatre: Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, adapted and staged by the Compagnie Yanua (Katja Husinger and Rodolphe Dana). What I really liked was the acting and the story. This play is very interesting with its great monologues and plot twists. I also really liked the all-wood theatre construction, and the horses coming in through the back of the stage.

Although the piece, which dates back to 1897, is three hours long, the time passes by quite quickly thanks to the modern staging.

Jules Tilly

Did you know that the famous painter Marc Chagall spent the summer of 1926 working in the Auvergne, in Chambon-sur-Lac?

In 2018, the town of Brioude in Auvergne, known for its rich history and artistic heritage, hosted a captivating exhibition dedicated to Marc Chagall, an emblematic figure of modern art. Held at the local art museum, the exhibition, entitled "Chagall: DU COQ A L'ANE ," brought together a diverse array of Chagall’s works, including paintings, drawings, and lithographs.

Chagall was a painter but also an engraver. In 1962, André Malraux (Minister of Culture) asked him to create a fresco to adorn the ceiling of the Garnier opera house in Paris.

The exhibition in Brioude showcased Chagall's use of colour and imagery, capturing the essence of his unique artistic vision. The curators did an excellent job presenting his works in a way that was both educational and visually stunning. It was an inspiring visit that deepened my appreciation for Chagall's art.

Overall, the Marc Chagall exhibition in Brioude was a beautiful experience that not only celebrated his artistic achievements but also painted a portrait of his enduring impact on the world of art.

This exhibition is essential for admirers of Chagall, but also for people who want to discover modern art.

Octave Marceau

Picasso the ultimate work : homage to Jacqueline

In the town of Brioude, you can visit the Musée Le Doyenné, near the Saint-Julien basilica on the Place Lafayette. The museum features various exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The "Picasso, l'œuvre ultime: hommage à Jacqueline" exhibition in 2019 offered a captivating plunge into Pablo Picasso's last creative phase, through Jacqueline Roque's influence on his art. Through iconic works such as "Jacqueline aux jambes pliées" (1955) and "Jacqueline aux fleurs" (1954), the artist depicts with fascination the face and body of his muse with incomparable emotional depth and technique.

The selection of works by exhibition curator Jean-Louis Prat reveals the richness and diversity of Jacqueline's representations over the years, offering visitors an immersion into Picasso's intimacy. Each piece testifies to the artist's consuming passion for his subject, with expressive and evocative power.

"Femme assise au chapeau jaune et vert" (1962) perfectly embodies this bond between artist and muse, revealing a masterful fusion of form and colour that testifies to the intensity of their relationship. Picasso transcends the limits of traditional representation to create a unique visual universe, where Jacqueline's beauty blends harmoniously with his own artistic vision.

As you go through this exhibition, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the emotional power emanating from each painting, testifying to the impact Jacqueline had on Picasso's life and work. It's a moving tribute to an artistic and human relationship, eloquently affirming Picasso's conviction that "painting is stronger than me, it makes me do what it wants".

Armand Marceau