A CONTEMPORARY OUTLOOK ON MARC CHAGALL IN THE MUSEUM OF NICE

Until 30 April

The first museum dedicated to a living artist was founded in Cimiez, Nice, 50 years ago. Marc Chagall was personally present at its opening. Since then, thousands of visitors have flocked from all over the world to discover his Biblical Message, a true ode to life. This year a number of celebrations are planned to mark this special anniversary, a three-segmented exhibition among them. Its first part this spring is inviting young artists to cast a contemporary glance at the iconic works of art.

The colour is interepreted here as if it were living matter. Free, dazzling and cheerful. This explosion of blue, ochre and vermilion is a bridge between Marc Chagall and Japanese Makiko Furuichi. An entire room at the Museum is dedicated to watercolours and poetic, evanescent and phantasmagorical figures suspended in the air. These frescoes are facing the mosaic of the Chagall-signed prophet Elijah. Makiko grew up in Japan in a temple founded by her grandmother. This spirituality echoes with Chagall’s childhood inspired by Hasidic rituals. Religion, inter- preted with great freedom, is thus a leitmotiv for both artists.

Another new perspective is that of the writer Stéphane Lambert. He is offering us an original display encouraging an encounter with another, intimate, secret Chagall. This “transfigured world” is taking us on a journey in the legendary artist’s footsteps. Carried away on angels’ wings, he is drifting away from reality to the realm of dreams.

This first part celebrating the Chagall Museum’s 50th anniversary also features two dancer choreographers, Mimosa Koiké and Asier Edeso. Their “crossed steps” in a co-production with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo is a moving interpretation of a universal Biblical message. The film projected in the museum’s magnificent auditorium is an apotheosis of a happy dialogue between different arts.

Chagall et moi! A contemporary outlook on Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall National Museum Avenue Dr Ménard, Nice