La Coste is one of several venues established in the past decade between the small towns of Aix, Arles and Avignon that are creating a lively, culturally particular arena for refreshing, non-metropolitan approaches to showing contemporary art.
Minimalism reigns here — not sanitised as in urban white cube galleries, but rather as an acceptance that art never really rivals earth, water, air. Further paintings, executed by a single gestural stroke of a loaded wide brush so that a prism of colours, placed asymmetrically, shimmer on white canvases, constitute a temporary exhibition in a discreet gallery designed last year by Ando.
Why do the super-wealthy — Francois Pinault, David Zwirner — favour minimalism? Presumably because if you can buy anything, then less, exquisitely orchestrated, is more.
The history of European strife — rivals to the Roman popes ruled here in the s — is embedded in this walled town, and intensely politicised contemporary works reverberate across Gothic churches, honey-stone mansions and the medieval Palais des Papes.
Ode to failure? For Arles, Avignon and Aix right now are the golden ticket: world-class new art in distinctive, authentic, historically resonant settings. Accessibility help Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer. Get instant alerts for this topic Manage your delivery channels here Remove from myFT. A rich range of contemporary artworks is on display across the three French towns. Jackie Wullschlager July 15 Stay informed with free updates. Reuse this content opens in new window Comments Jump to comments section.
