Curious Spaces for Artisans of the Luberon

Mon cher ami,

I thought of you on Sunday when I visited an art exhibition of wood, iron, glass, and inks in the hills of Provence! Given your appreciation for all things “sculpture”, you would likely have enjoyed every minute. 

The village of Banon has an old church at the top of its walled pedestrian village, L'Eglise Haute. A bit of research tells me that the church was deconsecrated in 1911 because the villagers refused to climb the hill for services. But in the 1960s an effort began to re-purpose the church and it now serves as a fabulous exhibition space for local artists and musicians.

I have gone there over the years, as I love the peaceful village in which it sits and the cool interior on a hot summer’s day. This weekend I was delighted to find a new exhibit: "Haute en Lumiere" with the two artists in residence to serve as guides for me—one even spoke wonderful English and understood my passable French. 

Two artists have collaborated on a number of the pieces: Ulla Lutz created metal frames which Isabelle Martin filled with wood sculptures. In other pieces, it was the reverse—the wood artist began the process with sculptures and then turned to the metal artist to create a frame of some kind around it. The results were stunning, as you can see!

 In still other pieces, creative portraits in ink had been pressed between glass panels and then framed in welded iron. Our friend Harris especially liked these.

The artistry of the staging added to the exhibition; using the alcoves, pedestals, and altar spaces to highlight some pieces, while others stood center stage in the apse.  

The high ceilings gave the perfect position for hanging chandeliers of beveled glass and worked iron.

I especially liked this lamp with its shell-like wood sculptures, set at curious angles to reflect and shadow the light. 

If you decide to come for a visit, let me know and I will make time for us to go the Banon church together. And while we are in the village we can visit the bookstore, Le Bleuet!

A bientot, J