every summer Nice has a Jazz Fest on the grounds of the Matisse Museum and the surrounding grounds. its really a beautiful setting for a festival, although it probably could be a little more spread out. there are three stages one in the garden, one in front of Matisse’s iconic red house, and another set in the ruins of a roman arena.
we went on friday and saturday night and i didn’t know what to expect. but the music was fantastic! really fresh and surprising. some acts like gypsy kings you knew would be good. but groundation, positive roots, and k’naan, all on friday night ( groups i wasn’t familiar with beforehand) were really impressive and in some cases inspiring. and as far as pure entertainment is concerned la shica on saturday was perfect. i like to be surprised by music and i was very surprised and impressed this weekend. (unfortunately i only have pics from saturday night…..but i will put a few up anyways…)
we visited the MAMAC last week. it was nice to see work by a variety of artists. they had work by the fluxus’ artist Ben. and an exhibit on Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle . i personally, really like her work and philosophy. and i wish you could see more of it in america. (maybe you can i just don’t know where to look…)
also, the MAMAC had some cool projects by newer artists. at least i think they were newer because i am not familiar with their work. the work pictured above is one of these pieces. it is Venus aux chiffons by Michelangelo Pistoletto. it is a great example of appropriation.
on friday we visited col de tende which is about an hour and forty minutes north of nice going towards torino. it is a really beautiful area and is famous for a group of ancient people called the merveilleux (wanders) who create graffitti there. we shot video in the old city and then hiked up to a chapel at the top of one of the cliffs.