The Ecole Superieure Des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux (EBABX), France, extended an invitation to five talented students and one esteemed professor from the Department of fine arts at the University of Hyderabad (UOH) to participate in a delightful workshop in Bordeaux. Our group eagerly embarked on this artistic journey, eager to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Bordeaux's art, architecture, food, and culture.
As we arrived at the railway station, we were greeted with warm welcomes from the participants and faculty of the EBABX. Each of us was paired with a friendly host who would be accommodating us throughout our stay. We then indulged in drinks and snacks at the school's charming Cafe Pompeir, where Ms. Anne Colomes and Mr. B V Suresh initiated conversations to help us get to know each other better.
Our program's schedule was impeccably organized, with the five students from EBABX taking us to various locations in the city that were connected to their own art practices. These visits helped us gain valuable insights that would inform our workshop ideas
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On the 4th of May, we started our day at the medieval-styled institute/school of EBABX, located near the Eglise Saint Croix. There, we met the faculty members, technicians, and students, and even received lovely gifts from Rachel Helvadjian as a welcoming gesture. The studios were massive, well-maintained, and equipped with advanced technology for various art forms such as painting, sculpture, silkscreen, digital printing, wood, metal, audio, visual, and ceramic. We were fortunate to interact with the heads of each studio, who generously offered their assistance for our workshop.
We then explored the library, where we found a treasure trove of art books, photography, cinema, and school journals. After a delightful lunch at Cafe Pompeir, we hopped on a tram to visit a city forest park recommended by one of the students, Manon Buard. We wandered around the park, basking in the flora's beauty, and recorded sounds using advanced equipment borrowed from the school. Manon even shared that some of the park's flowers were used in beverages.As we returned to the school, we had a chance encounter with some of Manon's friends, and we headed to a nearby cafe to enjoy mint tea and olives. There, we engaged in a stimulating conversation about the differences between Indian and Bordeaux cultures.
On the 5th of May, we embarked on a journey through the wondrous city of Bordeaux, starting our adventure at Basilique St-Michel. As we made our way to the flea market, the morning prayers echoed through the basilica, casting a mystical aura around us. The tower held the main bell, and we were fascinated by the tales of its construction.
Upon arriving at Place de Bir Hakeim, we were greeted by a bustling crowd of vendors selling antique treasures, from jewelry to postcards, books, and clothes. It was as though we had stumbled upon a hidden treasure trove, with Elsa Goussies as our guide. As we delved deeper into the market, Deepti Gaur stumbled upon old letters written in French and German dating back to 1973. She and Elsa delved into the history behind the letters, while Swarnendu haggled with vendors over ceramics toys. The rest of us marveled at the stunning antique pieces, from cameras to illustrated newspapers, perfumes, and more. Our trusty camera captured the magic of the moment, transforming their everyday objects into priceless artifacts.
Our next stop was the magnificent Cathedral St-Andre, proposed by Marguerite Brunel. The beauty of the cathedral was overwhelming, with stained glass windows illuminating the space and casting colorful light throughout. The medieval pictorial art was breathtaking, and we were transported back to our art history classes, reminiscing about the beauty of this ancient form of art. We then wandered through the streets of Saint Remi, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. We stopped to grab sandwiches and shared our favorite finds from the flea market. Ms. Anne Colomes read one of Deepti's romantic letters aloud, and we were all enchanted by its beauty.
Romain Rivière's proposed nightclub was our next destination, situated in the heart of the city. The contrast between the black exterior of the nightclub and the white MÉCA Cultural Center was striking, as we imagined possible scenes taking place behind the club's closed doors. As the day drew to a close, we marveled at the sunset over the city, with the sun setting at 9 PM.
On the 6th of May, we began exploring the initial ideas for our workshop. Like bees buzzing around, we darted to different studios, seeking assistance and guidance. Amidst all the hustle, we also reserved our spot for the opening show at the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art. Then we visited Galarie des Tables, where we got a glimpse of how we could showcase our work. As the sun began to set, we hopped on a tram to the museum. The performance we witnessed was nothing short of a masterpiece. Titled 'Let it Go', it was an emotional roller coaster that had the performers singing, interacting and commemorating through conflicts. Every nook and corner of the museum was utilized. And as the curtains fell at 10 pm, we left with a heart brimming with joy.
The next day (7th May) was a weekend, and with the school closed, we decided to venture out on our own. In the morning, Anne took us to a local supermarket to introduce us to the famous French cheese, bread, and pastries. We carefully observed the vibrant fruits and vegetables, feeling like curious children at a candy store. And to our surprise, we even stumbled upon an Indian shop that gave us a homely feeling.
Later, we visited the flea market and cathedral again, relishing the experience all over again.
Another delightful day (8th May) was spent by the beach, an hour away from our place. Elsa and her friends accompanied us, and the sight of the azure blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean left us spellbound. We carried our homemade lunches, ready for a mini-picnic on the shores. While some of us collected seashells and stones, the bustling beach brought cheer and created cherished memories.
On the 9th of May, Monday arrived with a sense of urgency as the workshop deadline was approaching fast. We all put our noses to the grindstone to bring our ideas to fruition. As we worked alongside each other, we helped one another like the gears in a clock. Some were working with sea shells, some with photographs of architecture, some with objects from the flea market and some with food & drinks. The whole day went into a whirlwind of activities, going from here to there, testing prints, records etc. Later in the evening, we also had a heartwarming chat with Anne. Her conversations were so intriguing and amazing that we felt right at home.
On 10th and 11th May, most of the work was supposed to be finished. We all were like a team of ants, focusing on completing the tasks within the time frame. The short duration of the workshop restricted us from exploring more mediums, yet we tried to experiment with the new techniques and equipment that we were exposed to there. Most of us students were almost done with our work. 11th May was our final day in Bordeaux and also the Display Day. In the morning, we started experimenting with the space and works, figuring out which work to put where and how. Till the afternoon, we were a bit clear about the layout and display. We had lunch at Cafe Pompeir and headed back to the gallery. The school arranged snacks and beverages for all the visitors. The show opened at 6 pm and people started to visit. It was a gratifying experience while talking about our works and receiving suggestions and feedback.
After the exhibition, we visited some local shops to buy souvenirs and a local library to witness a performance on Ecology and Feminism. The day ended with goodbyes and hugs as we were returning to India. Later that night, we packed our bags and filled our hearts with gratitude and memories. We set off to return to our homeland with lots of joy, memories and fulfilment, like sailors who have gathered treasures from a distant land.
Contributed by :
Anshuka Mahapatra,Deepti Gaur,Rituparna Roy,Sudheesh Velayudhan,Swarnendu Chakarborty
2 - 12 MAY 2022
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