Art, War & the Community of Montparnasse
In the closing days of Vasyl Grubliak’s poignant exhibition, Baiser russe, he is joined by art historian and educator Dr. Stephanie Nadalo, and writer and veteran Matt Jones, for a multimedia presentation that combines historical analysis, a poetic performance, a panel discussion, and a chance to engage directly with the artists.
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Saturday, 4 March, 4 - 7pm
11 Cité Falguière, 75015 Paris, France Dr. Stephanie Nadalo will begin the event with a talk that offers historical context on how the artistic community of Cité Falguière and Montparnasse responded to the physical and psychological challenges of World War I (1914-1918). As air raid sirens rang through Parisian streets and soldiers faced the horrors of trench warfare, the artists and poets of Montparnasse experienced the war in different ways. While some members of the community volunteered to fight at the frontline others sought refuge in creative expression and in one another. Their collective experience marked the end of the Belle Époque which profoundly changed art and culture in the process. Following Dr. Nadalo's talk, Matt Jones will perform a series of pieces inspired by the exhibit or pulled from his upcoming novel, DRONES. As a former soldier who teaches at the Ecole Militaire and dialogues regularly with members of the French military, Matt envies Vasyl’s magic: to stop time, render the war machines beautiful, and freeze the bombs mid-blast. “Baiser Russe” is the most recent chapter in Atelier 11’s history of shielding artists from war and geopolitical crises, yet the questions that the exhibit inspires are vital for both military members and civilians. After a presentation from both these guests, the panel discussion will take place in English with Vasyl's Grubliak, and be followed by a Q&A with the panelists. |
Vasyl Grubliak in front of the historic Atelier 11 Cité Falguière, featuring a window installation "Taped" by another Ukranian artist and L'AiR Arts 2022 resident, Maryna Semenkova. (image by Demir Ramazanov)
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Presented as a solidarity initiative, the collected proceeds will support the relief efforts and the fight for independence of Ukraine, contributing to humanitarian help and the investigation of war crimes, as well as future residencies for arts workers at risk/in exile at Atelier 11 in Paris.
