All this time I’d been thinking that Bill and I didn’t like modern art. It took the opening of the Centre d’Art Contemporain (Contemporary Art Center) here in Carcassonne for us to realize that some of our favorite painters from 150 years ago fall into the “modern” category. We’re especially fond of impressionism with artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Pissaro all having exhibited their works in Paris at the Impressionist Exhibitions from 1874 to 1886. Modern art, encompassing a break with tradition, emphasizing individuality and innovation, lasted from the 1860s to the 1960s. With this latest addition to the growing list of city-sponsored art exhibit spaces in town, we were about to learn some more history and culture.

Although Carcassonne only opened its own contemporary art center about 6 months ago, they have existed in France since the 1970s. Rather than building permanent collections, the concept is to focus on changing exhibitions, on how works are produced, and public education. The idea is to make today’s art available to everyone and to actively support artists, especially those just getting started. Along those lines, this center will sponsor 4 artists in residence, encouraging them to develop works of art centered on local heritage.

Some key characteristics of contemporary art that began in the late 1960s are:

Diversity—an array of approaches, mediums, and themes.

Focus—The concept behind the artwork is as important as the object itself.

Current Issues—Themes of globalization, social justice, identity, and the environment.

Wide Range of Mediums—Video art, performance art, digital art, sound art, photography.

Viewer Interaction—To provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and engage the viewer.

Our local Museum of Fine Arts has an agreement with the Louvre in Paris to borrow some of their works from time to time, so we’ve visited often. Most of the accompanying photos today, © Ville de Carcassonne – Julien Roche, are examples of what you can expect to see at the Contemporary Art Center where, like the Fine Arts museum, the entrance is free.

Outdoor photo note: Bill took the pictures of the large format (Blue Crocodile, Orange Gorilla, Yellow Man) pieces by Richard Orlinski, the best-selling French sculptor in the world. These were on display around town to celebrate the opening of the new art center.