Sculpture symposium at the Old Tannery, Pezenas "Messages of the body"

13 sculptors have been invited to work for nine days in the sculpture court at the Old Tannery and it is a treat to walk around looking at the work in progress carved from big blocks of limestone that they have been given for the project. It is also very interesting to see how each of the sculptors involved in the project tackle the same material, some have chosen an "Art Brut" approach, very rugged carving of shapes, whilst others are concerned about more finished effect. When I visited on a hot midday the light was intense and, given that most were not complete, some pieces did not show as well as those where the light falling on the stone had been carefully considered; this is of course one of the oldest problems for sculptors living in the south, consider how the Greeks tackled it; one has only to think of the difference between a smooth column and a fluted one to begin to understand how important the light is.

What I think is particulary admirable is that Dann Chetrit has had the initiative to bring these sculptors together and has arranged for them to be fed, provided with materials and housed without aid from the Departement. No matter which piece appeals most, the great interest in this project is being able to see a group of very different makers given the same theme and brought together for a communal activity, stimulating for them and of great interest to the onlooker who can compare the different ways of creating.

Some of these works are for sale, and I can imagine many of them being an asset to gardens or public spaces in the region. Let us hope that the exhibition provides some sales for these enthusiastic sculptors whose work has made Pezenas that much more interesting this summer.

The finished works will be on show for the coming year.

Simon Fletcher

3rd August 2006