Things to do in Provence: The Benjamin Vautier Exhibition
The Benjamin Vautier Exhibition is currently housed within the Yves Brayer Museum, in the heart of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Vautier is considered one of the 20th Century’s leading French artists and is currently living and working in Nice. His works can be identified by his iconic first name signature – BEN for which he is more commonly known.
Vautier’s work is characterised by a simple word or sentence blazoned across a black background. His works stem from a desire to educate and provoke dialogue between artist and observer, rather than commercial gain. The simplicity of Vautier’s work reflects his involvement with the Fluxus movement between 1962 and 1970.
The Fluxus Movement
The Fluxus movement, was considered one of the most radical and experimental art movement of the 1960s. Fluxus artists intentionally positioned themselves outside mainstream art and art institutions, encouraged a “do-it-yourself” aesthetic, and valued simplicity over complexity.
Fluxus artists created their own venues for performances, exhibitions, and for the sale of their work. Vautier’s role in the early evolution of the Fluxus movement was crucial and he was one of its most active international participants. This led him to be described as 100% ‘Fluxman’ by George Maciunas, self-appointed founder of the Fluxus movement.
Since 1958, Vautier’s has contributed to more than one hundred exhibitions and a large number of publications. His work on show in the Yves Brayer Museum provides an opportunity to re-discover the theoretician and artist.
Benjamin Vautier Exhibition Opening Times
April to September – Open every day: 10.00 am to 12.30 pm & 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm
October to March – Except Tuesday: 11.00 am to 12.30 pm & 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Annual closure January and February
Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France.
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