Welcome to the universe of art. Add a blend of poetry and a pinch of cinema to create the Jean Cocteau museum with this variation of the sacred monsters. A journey leading to two worlds for maturity: poetry and spectacle.
A stroke of genius for a poet
Both filmmaker and poet, the Frenchman Jean Cocteau showcases his literary works and artistic talents while considering himself first and foremost a poet because “all work is poetic” he declared to his admirers and the grouchy critics of the time who did not recognize his stroke of genius.
This artistic approach refers to the decor of Italian theaters, drawing on his childhood memories. As a young boy, the poet accompanied his parents to the theaters and the opera.
In admiration of the famous actress and great tragedian Sarah Bernhardt, he was captivated by her style and her “golden voice.” This left a mark on the poet’s works, one of which is entitled “The Sacred Monsters.”
A Poet’s Approach, Act II
The exhibition is devoted to all the artist’s works marking the 20th century. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to Pierre Bergé, Jean Cocteau’s friend and supporter, who managed to keep the poet’s memory and image intact.
Following the exhibition “A Poet’s Approach”, Act II particularly emphasizes the close connection the poet had with theater.
According to the artist, theater and stage are seen as venues for encounter between the poet and his audience, but also as places for active participation and collaboration with the artistic community of his time.
The Cocteau museum team manages to present this artistic production in a red and gold decor, first through theater and then in cinema by showcasing surprising works and photos.
Visitors will find Jean Cocteau’s associations such as Jean Marais, his love interest, Édith Piaf, who died the same day as Cocteau, the group of six, and also the sacred monsters including Sarah Bernhardt, nicknamed “the Empress of the Theater,” premiering at the Musée du Bastion.
The scope of his artistic collaborations is showcased through five segments that highlight the essential themes of Jean Cocteau’s work that visitors can explore:
- The Sacred Monsters
- Farce and Surrealism
- Reskinning the Myths
- The New Sacred Monsters
- The Cinema of Theater
The Artist, in Feminine Form
Also go admire another artist to discover at the Jean Cocteau museum in Menton until March 19. Caroline Challan Belval with her work “The Testament of Eve” blending dream and creation, the visible and the invisible, captured directly with light giving it a “celestial” atmosphere. She will juxtapose Cocteau’s works and a series of ink drawings.
