An old atelier in Céret revived by young artists
with Ellen Turner Hall
Romer Kitching and friends are preparing a group exhibition in Pierre Brune’s former workshop attached to a restored medieval castle overlooking Céret. Brune with his network of fellow artists founded Céret’s museum of modern art which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
In 1916 when Brune bought Le Castellas, it was in ruins. With the help of a local mason, Brune rebuilt the structure, stone by stone. After a fire destroyed parts of the building in 1946, Brune remodeled his workshop adding a large window which let in the northern light, optimal for painting.
Recently the castle has been bought by a new owner who has lovingly restored the studio. There you will find Brune’s easel, a few squished tubes of paint and one of his flower paintings. It is the present owner’s wish that the spirit of Brune might act as an inspiration to a new generation of artists. Romer and friends are doing just that.
The group show, from 6 to 22 June, will pay homage to Céret and le Castellas. Many of the works feature Brune’s window. Look for Nicolas Cussac’s painting of the sill full of dead bees and Kitching’s of the frame reflected in a vase.
The vernissage is 6 June at 18h00. While you are there to look at the art, make sure to take in the view of Céret and beyond that moved Brune to construct his now iconic window.
For directions and opening times, see the map and poster.
Friday 27th September 201
I need to edit the statement above as my iPad seems to have a mind of its own so I apologize for some of the English mistakes above.
I have lived in Céret for over Thirty years. I have seen most of the art work here and welcome the idea of another venue for young artists to display their work in. However, as an academically trained artist and educator myself I question the authenticity of some of the artists here. Are they just gimmicks or do they have a true message to give based on a background of fine art training. I was brought up in the UK with a fine arts and architectural background, a teacher of fine arts and crafts, a practicing artist, a chairman of examining boards , and an inspector of arts. Curriculums. I travelled far on behalf of the British Government to study curriculum programs in many other countries including the USSR, China, the USA etc. so far I have kept quiet about my background but alas some of the arts I have found around Céret have little, if any, message to give that can throw an original mode of thinking towards the development of the visual arts in general. Soooooo much has been little short of gimmicks. I do hope this Gallery/venue will be able. To discern the true artist in making from the fake.
I’m so happy that the spirit of Pierre Brune lives on through the work of these young painters.
Le Castellas is a place of inspiration and renewal.
It was a meeting place envisioned by Miette.
I thank Anne and Paul, who have beautifully enhanced this place while honoring its essence and restoring its former glory.
Thanks so much