On October 27, 2018, the La Farandole hotel in Sanary-sur-Mer hosted a gala vernissage marking the opening of the “Art de vivre” exhibition, organized by Kvartira S Gallery with the support of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Marseille as part of the international project of the same name.

The exhibition featured paintings by three contemporary artists—Yan Rebek (France), Anastasia Zakharova (Russia), and Igor Vasilich (Russia).

A distinctive feature of the exhibition was that all the works by the Russian artists had been created during their two-week stay in Provence: the paintings conveyed Russian artists’ perspectives on the French way of life. Alongside the rich artistic programme, the gallery arranged excursions for the project participants following in the footsteps of Cézanne and Van Gogh, meetings with international colleagues, visits to galleries, and conversations with the local press. Together, these experiences inspired the artists to create deeply felt works that captivated collectors and art connoisseurs alike. 

In his ceremonial address, Sergey Nikolayevich Molchanov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Marseille, emphasized the importance of such artistic exchanges for the friendship between the two countries.

Among the vernissage’s distinguished guests was Richard Martin, director of Marseille’s Toursky Theatre. The event was also attended by guests from Russia, artists, musicians, winemakers, businesspeople, and art collectors.

Throughout the evening, the piano was played by Michel Mabrut, a virtuoso of improvisation.

The exhibition can be viewed at La Farandole hotel in Sanary-sur-Mer until the end of the year.

Photographer: Svetlana L-Schukina