CARMIGNAC FOUNDATION

It is a real favorite! Located in the middle of an exceptional national park, this superb museum is organized in two spaces: a Provençal farmhouse of 2000 m² and a garden of 15 hectares. Visitors can discover contemporary art from the Carmignac collection, temporary exhibitions, a sculpture garden and a cultural program. (more info on the website.) Amazing: the visit is done barefoot to be more in tune with the elements! The museography is exceptional and truly successful.

The permanent works. Alycastre. This is the work that greets you at the entrance to the city. This 2018 sculpture was imagined and designed by Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo. It is named after a mythical figure, the legendary dragon of the island of Porquerolles. "Ulysses, on his way to Ithaca, ran aground on a beach on the island and had to fight the animal sent by Poseidon. Overcome by the hero, the golden-blooded creature then asked that this place bear his name. Half undead head and half sea monster, the work of Miquel Barceló appears as the guardian of the place."

Among the many other permanent works, do not miss: Not yet titled, dating from 2018 and made by the same artist. This painting, which recalls the marine specimens of the place (including a magnificent octopus), shows, if need be, the immensity of his talent.

In the line of animals, One hundred fish fountain by Bruce Nauman is a sculpture with seven species of fish that the artist used to catch. A very nice discovery.

Photojournalism Prize. Each year, the Carmignac Foundation honors the creation of a journalistic and photographic project that deals with and documents an imposed subject. For the year 2022, the theme chosen was the societal crisis that is agitating Venezuela. The prize for this 12ᵉ edition was awarded to Fabiola Ferrero whose photographs are currently on display.

This country, which holds the first oil reserves in the world as well as vast mining resources, was a real El Dorado in the 1960s/1970s. But two decades after the revolution led by Chavez, the country is engulfed in a deep economic, ecological and migratory crisis, the second most important after Syria.

This year, the foundation has chosen to focus on Ghana and its ecological and human challenges. Selected after a call for applications closed in November, the winner is currently reporting thanks to the grant awarded and his work will be visible next year.