A bronze by Maillol sits in front of Ben’s latest painted wall

Fondation Maillol, a museum devoted to the sculptor of generous ladies, is reopening and the program of exhibitions established by Culturespaces is great fun. Irreverent artist Ben Vautier is the first guest to be offered the whole space for his works from the 60’s, which he kept in his personal collection, and there is a whole floor of new installations produced last year by the artist especially for the place.

Ben’s irreverence made him famous very fast

It is a happy and exciting walk into his world, that he invites us to do with many interactive works of art and more words to think about. Smile was on every face the evening of the opening, and southern accents from Nice were heard everywhere…

“Tout est art” (all is art) is the title of the show which sums up the original path taken by Ben, the Franco Swiss artist who revolutionized the idea of art in the 60’s in Nice. With his street actions in 1959 and his famous painted record shop Le Magasin (now part of the Beaubourg collection), he started a movement of French painting, l’Ecole de Nice, with sculptor Arman, Yves Klein and Martial Raysse.

Le naufrage du prêt à penser

Sophie Hovanessian who runs Musée Jacquemart André is also in charge of programmation at Fondation Maillol on the left bank. The scenography was made by Hubert Le Gall. Many paintings are lent by Daniel Templon and Musée Tinguely in Basel is partner in this show.

“Time flies by” a charming installation