Current art exhibitions in Nice

What better way to start the new semester than to indulge in Nice’s flourishing art scene? Escape the January blues with a range of new exhibitions from classical to modern art, spanning from Marc Chagall to Roman artifacts alongside modern sculptures.

Marc Chagall, le passeur de lumière

The intersection between colour and light

Until when?

January 10, 2022

Where?

Musée National Marc Chagall

What?

On exhibit is one of the most notable aspects of Russian-French artist Marc Chagall’s work: stained glass.

Considered one of the most important Jewish artists and a major influence on modernism with his synthesis of cubism, fauvism, and symbolism, Chagall’s work is now displayed in prominent places such as the United Nations headquarters with his stained-glass memorial “Peace.”

His works are rich in iconography and his use of colors has been commended by artists such as Pablo Picasso, who said that after Matisse’s passing, Chagall would be the only artist left to comprehend colors.

The exhibition highlights two important pieces: model of the rose as well as “The Creation of the World,” accompanied by professional lighting to highlight the intention of the works on the importance of spirituality and humanity’s “inner light,” in addition to musical renditions in the evenings.

Voyage Musical

A musical journey to Eastern Asia and Africa

Until when?

January 10, 2022

Where?

Palais Lascaris

What?

Exhibited are 21 musical instruments from Eastern Asia and Africa from the collection of musician Zia Mirabdolbaghi.

One can explore these artifacts ranging from Iran to Anatolia, all in playable condition following the collector’s aim to explore their cultural function, sound and evolution. After viewing this new addition, one can explore over 400 other instruments in the second largest instrument collection in France, kept at Palais Lascaris.

Sosno Squatte L’Antique

Connecting the present and the past

Until when?

January 23, 2022

Where?

Museum of Archaeology of Nice/Cimiez

What?

The exhibition revolves around the art of renowned French artist Sacha Sosno. Native to the South, he is largely known for his sculptures and the application of the concept of obliteration, the dominant theme of his works. Along with artists such as Yves Klein, he was a part of the “Nouveau Réalisme” (New Realism) movement.

The exhibition presents over 70 works set along Roman artifacts onsite the ancient city of Cemenelum. It invites the viewer to draw the relationship between the contemporary and the past.

Les paysages de l'âme

A contemporary love letter to landscapes

Until when?

February 2, 2022

Where?

Musée Départemental des Arts Asiatiques

What?

Explored in this exhibition is the relationship between Chinese philosophy and aestheticism of 11 Chinese and Taiwanese artists. Themes which are under exploration include finding ‘The soul of nature‘, concepts of spiritualism and beauty, opposing the traditional Chinese approach to display of landscape, rather taking an abstract occidental approach.

Artists represented in this exhibition include Li Chevalier, a practitioner of “experimental inkwork’” and Rao Fu, who utilizes an approach of double or triple perspective, immersing the viewer into his works.

‘Le routes du thé’ par Tuul et Bruno Morandi

Tracing the significance of tea across Asian societies

Until when?

February 7, 2022

Where?

Musée Départemental des Arts Asiatiques

What?

A photographic exploration of countries in which tea plays a significant role in terms of production and consumption, this exhibition takes the viewer on a journey to China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka over to Tibet, Mongolia and along the Silk roads to explore the medium of tea. From its philosophical conception to colonial trade, tea served as a means of socialization in tea houses, and the photographic couple explored the meaning of this celebrated beverage. Additionally, one can partake in a traditional tea serving ceremony on the 9 of January.

Noël Dolla, visite d’atelier / Sniper, 2018-2021

Exploring the abstraction of violence

Until when?

March 31, 2022

Where?

Musée Matisse Nice

What?

On display is a selection of the work of Niçois artist Noël Dolla, produced during the last four years in the context of his sniper series. The works are created by projecting paint from a compressed air gun, and they explore darker themes of war and death. The weapon represents an intercessor between artist and canvas. Considering himself a “baroque rationalist,” the artist explores concepts of abstraction in context of socio-political issues.

- Emilia Kohlmeyer