jean-michel fichot
in the fondation arp
Clamart artists studios open days
October 8th & 9th 2022, 2 PM - 7 PM
On the occasion of these days,
the organization of which was born in Clamart a generation ago, the association
des amis de Sophie Taeuber et Jean Arp invites the sculptor Jean-Michel Fichot
to present some of his recent works alongside the workshops of the two artists.
It is no coincidence that he is exceptionally received this year by the fondation arp.
In 1986, at events organized by the city
to celebrate the centenary of his birth,
the Jean Arp prize was awarded to him
by a jury composed of
Marguerite Arp-Hagenbach, Jean Bazaine, Greta Stroeh, now missing, Philippe Piguet, Dominique Abensour, Claude-Anne Chappey - then deputy mayor for culture. This prize, from the Enfeus series, is now on display at the Henri Dutilleux conservatory in Clamart.
His references to ancient and modern masters, his knowledge and interest in some of his contemporaries may have influenced him, and his work, tense between figuration and abstraction, is always very particular and original.
Tireless worker, mastering, apart from
the direct cut, all the techniques of sculpture, fruits of his studies at the School of Applied Arts Duperré then that of the Beaux-Arts
of Paris, perfectionist practitioner,
he particularly liked the bronze,
from which he carved and patinated
his pieces. Lacquer and ceramics are
also present in his work, as is engraving, notably the linocut from which he makes large masterpieces.
From the beginning, figuration is always present in his work evolving to the limit
of abstraction. Proceeding by collections, alignments, repetitions, light and subtle distortions, by series or themes, the female figure is omnipresent, with generosity
and amplitude.
She dances, whether alone, woman-leaf, curves, flattening of form, exuberance
of anamorphosis create movement.
They dance, whether grouped together,
in three or more graces, the deformations progressing or evolving and singular, aligned in a row, sometimes alanced or ecstatic.
In an interview with Marie-Claude Lambotte, he says, “Remove annoys me, I prefer
to add”, and concludes by adding
“I am a modeler”.
This exhibition at the fondation arp,
of which Jean-Michel Fichot is delighted
and which he has specially composed,
is very short. t is the beginning, in time
and importance, of the one he will create
in the second quarter of 2023
at the museum of the Fondation
de Coubertin, emblematic place
of any sculptor.
Admirer of the work of Jean Arp, who loved Sophie and Jean’s home-workshop, his sculpture garden, this place of serenity,
this “jewel at the edge of the forest”,
he will join the equally iconic Berger
des nuages, which was cast in Coubertin more than 10 years ago.
Jean-Michel Fichot's website
www.fichotsculpteur.com
It was almost a century ago that in 21 rue des Châtaigniers
Sophie Taeuber and Jean Arp received their friends.
It was almost a century ago that the fondation arp
was created, on the initiative of Marguerite Arp-Hagenbach, surrounded by Greta Stroeh, their friends.
It was almost thirty years ago that many artists, art professionals and defenders of the heritage of the twentieth century gathered around the Foundation,
uniting means and energies thanks to Greta Stroeh, constituting an association des amis de sophie taeuber
et jean arp.
It’s often in moments of adversity that solidarity
and commitment are manifested.
There are still personalities within the Association
to have known and lived sometimes in a familiar way,
or simply along with the founders Marguerite Arp-Hagenbach and Greta Stroeh.
The Friends' Associacion is intimately linked to life
of the fondation arp. Its mission is to support
it in all its actions, to help it enrich its collections
and to promote the work of these two great artists
of the 20th century.
The intimacy between the Foundation and the Association
is comparable to this emblematic sculpture of works
in duo Arp-Taeuber, «Jalon», dated 1938.
Jalon : a sheet of wood planted in earth to take
an alignment or mark a direction, to fix the ideas,
to prepare the paths…
Like a knot, two hands entwined...
This baton that takes a fraction of a second
with the hand of one to that of the other to continue
the way in the same direction, for the same purpose.
The Association helps to disseminate the richness
of the collection and to discover the charm of this unique place, the jewel that is «the studio-house at the edge
of the forest».
In this context the Association receives the schoolchildren
in discovery visits and sensitive approaches.
It participates in various events such as Patrimonial
days ; it helps the reception of visitors on Saturdays
and Sundays, the members of the Association becoming this year actors more than members, invited to share their enthusiasm with the discovering or even erudite public...
It contributes to the organization of exhibitions,
offers conferences and trips and informs its members
of the activity of the fondation arp…
Recently, the association des amis sophie taeuber et jean arp has been reconstituted with updated statutes,
efficient and simple rules of procedure, a board of executives that meets much more than previous years, composed of ten members and an active office.
Unfortunately the administration of the association of friends of Sophie and Jean lacks gender parity... what she regrets!! very sincerely!!! but faute de mieux…!!
and also regrets that there are more baby boomers
that it should...
Joining the association des amis de sophie taeuber
et jean arp you participate in the project and in the very meaning of the fondation arp : the knowledge and the influence of the work of these two great artists of the twentieth century
And if sometimes it is raining, pouring, bucketing arpian drops above the Shepherd of clouds...
humor
is the water of the afterlife
mixed with the wine of this life
join the association des amis
de sophie taeuber et jean arp
download the subscription bulletin
association des amis
de sophie taeuber et jean arp
19 rue des châtaigniers
f-92140 clamart
+33 1 45 34 22 63
amis.taeuber.arp@fondationarp.org
executive board
claude chappey
president
danielle wallers
vice-president
élisabeth scheurer
treasurer
mirela ionesco
secretary
ava stroeh
deputy secretary
françoise lecat
marie-madeleine martineau
étienne robial
caroline thion-poncet
journey of the "Amis" in Strasburg, May 2022
© ecliptique laurent thion