7 November 2024/

LANDSCAPE: BEYOND THE VISIBLE – CELEBRATING ARTISTIC MASTERY AT THE VILLA OF ARTS, PARIS

Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Villa des Arts is a historic haven for creativity. This collection of around fifty artists’ studios, established on land once part of the Montmartre cemetery, has been a cornerstone of artistic life since the 19th century. The land was allocated under the reign of Louis XV and villa was constructed by architect Henri Cambon in 1888, the villa boasts elements from the 1900 Universal Exhibition, including its grand staircase.

The Villa des Arts has been home to legendary artists such as Eugène Carrière, Paul Cézanne, Paul Signac, Raoul Dufy, Louis Marcoussis, Henri Rousseau and Francis Picabia. Today, it continues to be a vibrant community where painters, photographers, graphic designers, sculptors, actors and filmmakers live and work. The open spaces, natural light and fresh air, foster an environment of inspiration and creativity. Social life thrives here, with artists gathering for events supported by “La Ville a des Arts,” making the villa not just a place to work, but a place to connect and grow.

A Journey Beyond the Visible at the Villa des Arts

In the historic heart of Paris, near Montmartre, the gallery space “The City of Arts at the Villa des Arts” recently unveiled a captivating exhibition. From October 21 to November 3, 2024, visitors were transported into the poetic, dreamlike and mysterious worlds of contemporary artists FEXO, REGO, and LARISSA NOURY.

Each artist, with their unique personality and pictorial techniques, contributed to the theme “Landscape: Beyond the Visible,” creating an artistic adventure that transcended beyond imagination. This legendary venue, steeped in history and creativity, provided the perfect backdrop for an exploration of landscapes that exist beyond our everyday perception.

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY AT THE VILLA DES ARTS

The works of REGO – Refki Gollopeni are mesmerizing abstract landscapes, delicately enhanced by chromatic graphics. As a painter, designer and graphic artist, Refki Gollopeni also leads the cultural office in Suhareka and teaches at the creative youth education center at “Fellbach Haus.” He believes that “Art is a concrete philosophy which, through ideas and creative thoughts, allows us to travel in any time and space.” His creations are cherished in numerous national and international collections.

FEXO – Hoxha FEHMI’s paintings, crafted with his unique technique, invite us to dream of imaginary worlds. Born in Rahovec and now residing in Pristina-Kosovo, FEXO began painting at a young age and has since participated in numerous art festivals. Over 100 of his paintings have been sold worldwide. Both artists, recognized in Kosovo and winners of several international prizes, are presenting their works in France for the first time.

Renowned artist Larissa Noury, a Belarusian colorist in art and architectural design, has lived and worked in Montmartre, Paris, for 26 years. A gold medalist in the international Lépine competition for her innovative technique of color in five dimensions, Larissa presents a collection of tactile paintings in the “New Impressionism” style. Her abstract artworks, inspired by the colors and textures of nature, focus on chromatic harmonies. Her pieces are part of numerous private collections and are displayed in 19 museums and art foundations worldwide.

“Larissa’s paintings are a true ode to light, to the meaning of the solar spectrum and the colors that compose it. Her love and scientific culture of the subject naturally lead her to work on it from all its angles, giving birth to intelligently luminous paintings. Without first drawing it, Larissa letting herself be carried away by emotion and imagination offers us galactic, celestial, captivating images. Connected to the sky, she nevertheless abandons the earth and the tangible since she uses numerous materials, constructing her painting as an architect in the juxtaposition of strata. This method has the effect of making the painting come alive,” says Marion Drack.

A HARMONIOUS FUSION OF NATURE AND ART

The artists in this exhibition have a deep passion for nature, which shapes their strong personalities. They draw inspiration from the organic world, blend nature with their inner perceptions, creating imaginary landscapes that evoke poetic lyricism and harmony. Using inventive techniques, they construct these landscapes from memory and emotion, resulting in a fusion of lyricism, color and material that defines terms like “abstract impressionism” and “imaginary landscape”.

The exhibition was a great success, attended by dignitaries such as the SE Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in France, Monaco, and Andorra, Sir Mehdi Halimi and the Consul & Third Secretary of the Embassy of Belarus in France, Mrs. Viktoria Muraveika. Famous couturiers Jean-Marie Pujol (YSL) and Claude Patrick, along with journalists from radio and television, also graced the event.

The exhibition lasted for two weeks and attracted many visitors from France, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, China, Korea, Belarus, Bulgaria, Russia and Morocco.