Like part one, this was originally posted in 2015. However, I felt it well worth the repeat and there will be a few other, older, repeats in the next few weeks. A dear friend arrives from California on Thursday and I believe there will be some travel involved which should result in some interesting posts around mid November. Thanks for your continued support.
Bisous,
Léa
“Exile of Syria,” chiaroscuro of SAMEERAH AL BSHARAH
“BETWEEN LIGHT AND SHADOWS”
A short biography:
Sameerah Al Bsharah, Allama, was born on 1 January 1952 in Sweida (Syria). Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 1977, she taught art education at the University of Damascus. Member of the Brotherhood of Syrian artists painters, Sameerah Al Bsharah has several exhibitions to her credit including the Syrian city of Latakia where she participated in the famous Biennale.
Living in Deraa, the family fled the conflict in 2012 and took refuge in Jordan, then in France in November 2014. Hosted by the Centre for Asylum Seekers Home (CADA) of Béziers, the family has obtained the status a refugee.
Sadly, I have no website or even email address to recommend to you and would suggest contacting CADA of Béziers for further information on the artist and her work.
The setting for this exhibit is Domain Langel just outside the village of Artisan. This tranquil setting surrounded by olive orchards and vineyards with honey coloured stone buildings waits to embrace the work of the artist as she translates through her paintings the torments of a country in turmoil.
While domain Langel continues their production of olive oil they also have set a goal of cultivating environmental education and cultural activities.
Over tea on the cold tiles of the kitchen, she carried her paintings and comments on: this is called <moustachfa> (<hospital> in Arabic) and reflects the expressions, the intermingling of bodies that may be encountered in Syrian hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of victims of war.
On another painting, three fish with sharp teeth represent that powerful attack of frightened people. Sameerah denounced the veto in the UN Security Council that would prevent international intervention and let the Syrian people defenseless. A composition black and white leaves perceive injuries, body and spirit.
Alongside these poignant testimonies of the Syrian conflict, other paintings pay tribute to Syrian beauty: lush scenery, smiling women and tranquility.
The paintings that Sameerah presents were dismantled from their frames before departure. Many stayed in Syria or Jordan; it was impossible to take everything into exile.
Due to factors beyond my control, the photos I offer are poor representatives of the work on offer. There is much more to add and therefore, this will serve as part one of an amazing exposition.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER VIEW.
Bisous,
Léa
My sincere apologies for the gap between the first post from this exhibit and now. The computer and internet issues have been great and replacing the computer is not an option at this time. If you missed the first part it was posted on 15/08/2015. For those who missed part I or would like to refresh your memory here is the link: https://foundinfrance.wordpress.com/2015/08/17/sameerah-al-bsharah-between-light-and-shadows-the-artist-in-exile-part-i/However there were a few photos that I did want to include not to mention showing you the beautiful landscape surrounding the gallery. Therefore, despite the delay, I have chosen to offer this post.
Bisous,
Léa
“Exile of Syria,” chiaroscuro of SAMEERAH AL BSHARAH
“BETWEEN LIGHT AND SHADOWS”
A short biography:
Sameerah Al Bsharah, Allama wife, was born on 1 January 1952 in Sweida (Syria). Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 1977, she taught art education at the University of Damascus. Member of the Brotherhood of Syrian artists painters, Sameerah Al Bsharah has several exhibitions to her credit including the Syrian city of Latakia where she participated in the famous Biennale.
Living in Deraa, the family fled the conflict in 2012 and took refuge in Jordan, then in France in November 2014. Hosted by the Centre for Asylum Seekers Home (CADA) of Béziers, the family has obtained the status a refugee.
Sadly, I have no website or even email address to recommend to you and would suggest contacting CADA of Béziers for further information on the artist and her work.
The setting for this exhibit is Domain Langel just outside the village of Artisan. This tranquil setting surrounded by olive orchards and vineyards with honey coloured stone buildings waits to embrace the work of the artist as she translates through her paintings the torments of a country in turmoil.
While domain Langel continues their production of olive oil they also have set a goal of cultivating environmental education and cultural activities.
Over tea on the cold tiles of the kitchen, she carried her paintings and comments on: this is called <moustachfa> (<hospital> in Arabic) and reflects the expressions, the intermingling of bodies that may be encountered in Syrian hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of victims of war.
On another painting, three fish with sharp teeth represent powerful that attack frightened people. Sameerah denounced the veto in the UN Security Council that would prevent international intervention and let the Syrian people defenseless. A compostion black and white leaves perceive injuries, body and spirit.
Alongside these poignant testimonies of the Syrian conflict, other paintings pay tribute to Syrian beauty: lush scenery, smiling women and tranquility.
The paintings that Sameerah presents were dismantled from their frames before departure. Many stayed in Syria or Jordan; it was impossible to take everything into exile.
Due to factors beyond my control, the photos I offer are poor representatives of the work on offer. There is much more to add and therefore, this will serve as part one of an amazing exposition.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER VIEW.
Bisous,
Léa
There are always art shows, festivals… nearby in which ever part of France happen to be. However, in this area each year is the L’Art Cache (hidden art). It is one I look forward to each year more than any of the other art events. This is my fifth year attending and the third year blogging about it. I’m afraid my camera got carried away with itself so this may have to be spread out in more than one post. An artist friend who could not attend this year asked what was my favourite and I’m afraid I could not tell him.
As we begin our tour of the art, we are handed a map to follow around and find the exhibits. This tiny village is filled with hidden courtyards, gardens and even barns. Each year owners offer their space to the artists who are participating. You can follow the path in sequence or wander about. Regardless, you will be rewarded with what you find. This time I began with #1, for a change, and followed it about at least for awhile. The first artist we are visiting is Anne Sarda and you can find her at sardine@aliceadsl.fr or annesarda.com
The next stop on this post will be with Cathou. You can contact the artist at cathoubroucard@gmail.com or cathou-brocard.blogspot.fr and I hope you enjoy her work as much as I did.
The children’s book with Cathou’s illustrations was irresistible. If only I had a wee one to read it to…
Alexia Carmona’s creations incorporate wire, string, twine and other substances. Please forgive the limitations of my skill as a photographer. It would have been amazing to be able to have access for different angles of the following display. I tried to find the artist as I did not see a title for this piece. Down in a corner to the left was a small laptop playing bits of music and poetry. You can find Alexia at: http://www.alexia.carmona-carmona.fr
Tucked in a secluded courtyard we can discover some works by Fanny Pallaro. For more information you can email: pale.arrow@free.fr or visit her at http://fanny.pallaro.free.fr
It is hoped that you will find something here to inspire you. There are several other artists to go and more photographs so this post will serve as Part I of L’Art Cache 2015. If one of these pieces does get your creative juices flowing, I would love to see what you produce and perhaps post it.
Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them.
Bisous,
Léa
A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles. Often that is a body of water but also for terrain or roads. Bridges connect something and often someone to somewhere and someone else. I’ve always had a fondness for bridges and with my background in Psychology, I’ve long worked helping individuals, couples and families building other kinds of bridges. The bridges you will see here are symbolic for me of the work I have done and continue to do. However, they are also a thing of beauty, not only for their appearance but for their purpose.
Le passerelle a Durban
From our little passerelle (footbridge) a few short yards from my door we are connecting both sides of the village the older part of the village (shown) to the newer additions, la poste, marie (mayor’s office) and the schools to name a few. The grand suspension bridge of Millau (below), is stunning and the views there are breathtaking. The first time I crossed it, I had only been in France a few weeks. I had taken the train up north to purchase my car from the daughter of friends. The bridge was a complete surprise as I began to cross it and about halfway across, it began to snow.
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The Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world (courtesy-Wikipedia). The bridge was constructed to increase autoroute access from Paris to Béziers and Montpellier. Since I don’t have my own photos and this bridge deserves its own post, I shall not go into it any further at this time.
Modern bridge – Durban
There is one more ‘bridge’ in the village connecting the two sides. It is a few meters beyond the modern bridge. However, it appears as nothing more than a bit of driveway as it must be closed when there is more than a little water in the river.
My personal favourite actually does have water running or sometimes crawling along beneath it. Sunday morning it was at overflow due to the rains but as the rain subsides, so does the river.
One of many bridges in Nimes beautiful gardens
Pont du Gard – ancient Roman aqueduct bridge
Pont du Gard is one of the most visited bridges in all of France. It was built in the 1st century AD. It is the highest of the Roman aqueduct bridges and the one in the best condition. In 1985 UNESCO added it to the list of World Heritage Sites due to its historical importance.
While there are many bridges everywhere you go in France, I will close with one of the most photographed and loved.
It is my hope that you will have enjoyed the bridges and one day discover these and more by exploring France.
Bisous,
Léa
Friendship is one of life’s greatest rewards. When moving, there is frequently a shift. Some people stay in our lives regardless of where we are and for some, the distance proves to be too much. When someone has been part of our life, they will always be a part in memory if not more. Yet the space that was once occupied by the “old crowd” is available for new faces, arms, hands, smiles and different perspectives. Wherever you go in life, there are wonderful people who, if you are open to them, will walk along side you. Despite my still stumbling French, I am indeed a most fortunate person to have found so many friends. Let me introduce you to a few!
bredouille
mais oui
my hands empty
on arrival
en France
yet my palms
open as
mon coeur
armed with smiles
eyes wide open
sincère mais espiègle
an invitation to all
magnétique
for some
six ans plus tard
ces mains
mon coeur
seem to overflow
yet yielding to welcome
each new friend
je gagne
perhaps it was the mischief
dans mes yeux
*
bisous,
léa
Cours Française:
One of the fundamental lessons in life is communication. We have needs to be met and one being social creatures; we have a need to socialize with those around us. A child learns the tongue of its caregivers and as they grow, they start to pick up words and phrases of those from their ever-expanding environment. When we change our milieu, albeit, even within the same country we learn new phrases, accents and inflections. When we relocate to a place that speaks a very different language, our experience is often germane to how we decide to integrate what we know with our new surroundings and the level we choose to embrace it. We come to France with varying levels of French at our command. Many have had a year of French in high school and in some cases, even earlier.
In larger towns or cities, The Office of Tourism can direct you to a number of schools for learningFrench. Additionally, you can find numerous private instructors or those conducting small groups. There are organizations that promote French Culture such as Leo Lagrange. They often have books and dvd’s that can be checked out. Often they have groups within the organization such as painting classes, dancing or lectures as well as offering courses in French.
In this little village (pop: 700) there is a Cours Française. It took someone who wanted to learn to canvas the village to see if there were others wanting to learn. Once that was ascertained, requests were made to the Village Association. Volunteer teachers were recruited from the village, a resounding success, and then a planning meeting with future students to gage the level of instruction required. In the Corbieres there are two classes, beginning and advanced. Since there are several smaller villages nearby, the classes are open to them as well. 
The photos are from the party held by the students thanking the teachers and celebrating the end of the first year. While the class got a late start, spring, we were eager to return in October. Classes often start late due to the vendange (grape harvest). This particular group helps students from a variety of countries and a variety of languages. The desire to learn and excellent, dedicated teachers go a long way to overcome any obstacles.
Learning the language and customs allows us to make the most of this
magnificent opportunity. It allows us to really be a part of our new community and give back to our new country and village.
Bisous,
Léa
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