July 23, 1976

Draguignan

At the theater: International Art Fair

Visit before July 31

While it is quite reasonable to defend one artist or the other after seeing an individual exhibition, this becomes impossible in the face of a group exhibition bringing together works, some of which we dislike but which are by artists whose talent is recognized or acknowledged by specialists. Remember that the jury is chaired by Edouard Pignonn (who is also exhibiting), surrounded by professionals including Félix Labisse, Etienne Martin, Members of the Institute, François Aubrun, François Bret, Georges Dayez, Bertrand Dorny, César, and Gustave Singuier, from whom we borrow three phrases: “No certainty for the painter. His work is enigmatic. It belongs to his time (in spite of himself). Questions… without answers. The great silence of the public outcry. Despair, passion, love. Unbeknownst to them, sometimes: grace. This gift that transforms and makes it permanent.”

The people of Draguignan have until July 31 to discover many aspects of modern painting at once. They will find there whatever their taste, pleasure, even if only by contrast. For our part, we appreciated “The Beach at Ostia” by Jean-Marc Lange, a “Composition” by André Achard, “The Spirit of the Game” by the Belgian Raymond Art, “Royal Game” by Lukas Kandı, “The Rose Garden” by André Frey, “The Great Model Girls” by J.-P. Risos, “Quo Vadis” by Christine Benson from Fayence, “The Domaine de Cresson” by Johnny de Rola of Pignans, a tapestry, “The Indian Eagle” by Helmi Wipp Pfeiffer, a Berliner from Gassin, and two unnumbered, unsigned compositions by the same artist. These paintings may not appeal to you; you’ll prefer others! The exhibition is ultimately well composed, since everyone can find something to their liking.

G.F.

Our photos:

An exhibition to view

(Photos T.P.)