Picasso La Guerre et La Paix Chapelle, Vallauris
The South of France is full of amazing, small, sometimes unknown art installations. Many people, including myself, were surprised to stumble upon the Picasso Chapelle in Vallauris. Of course Picasso is known to have spent time making pottery and reviving the trade in this area, but there is not so much buzz about the painted panels depicting images of war and peace.
A small chapel with a big impact created by Picasso in 1952 during his time in the South of France (1948-1955). It is more than 15 years after his Guernica painting that this La Guerre et La Paix Chapelle was opened in Vallauris Although it is a tiny place really, it overwhelms visitors with emotion and powerful images.
The warrior of peace is being attacked by the army of War on the left panel in the Chapelle. A powerful image of the fierce horses trampling burning books enflames the scene. While at the end of this panel a grotesque figure of War, collecting skulls and unleashing insects and viruses, pushes the action into battle.
The opposite panel gives some hope about justics and happiness using famillar symbols and family settings. In general this seems to be a hopeful Chapelle although set within the context of struggle and the darkness of war.
More info at the official site: http://www.musee-picasso-vallauris.fr/
There is also a museum here and there is also the Madura Gallery that continues to sell Picasso designed pieces in Vallauris as well as a Picasso Museum in Antibes. While this is not as well known as the Matisse Chapelle, it is definately worth experiencing.
