In conjunction with our Cultural Foundation, the Alliance Française de Sydney regularly organises art events, openings, artists’ talks and exhibitions at the Media Centre. The Media Centre is located on level one of the building and hosts approximately 10 exhibitions per year showcasing the work of local artists.
With our capacity to welcome patrons onsite for our usual programming restricted, due to the pandemic, our art events moved online. This
included a digital lecture series presented by fine arts expert Marie Chrétien, in which she explored the complex and porous relationship
between two of the most celebrated and influential artists of Modern Art; Matisse and Picasso.
Later in the year, Marie returned to host another series of talks surrounding another legendary painter, Vincent Van Gogh. In part one of
this series, Marie retraced his personal life, including the ways in which his declining mental health influenced his art. In the second
instalment, Marie examined his legacy through the lens of the multi-sensory Van Gogh Alive exhibition, on show at Sydney Royal Hall
of Industries throughout the month of December. This took the form of an exclusive interview with the CEO of GrandeExhibitions Bruce
Peterson, the creative mastermind behind this blockbuster exhibition.
We also offered our members exciting opportunities to win tickets to exhibitions including Van Gogh Alive and Arthur Streeton at Art Gallery of NSW to name a few.
At the beginning of 2019, we hosted a special event to coincide with the summer blockbuster exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW; Masters
of modern art from the Hermitage.
Taking place at the gallery lecture hall, Assistant curator of European art Anne Gérard-Austin introduced some key works and provided an
insightful glimpse into the process of research and curation.
In addition, we were delighted to host a beautiful exhibition of contemporary Australian Indigenous Art which occupied all floors of the
Alliance Française de Sydney, curated by founder of Everywhere Arts and arts educator Benedicte Belzung. The Land is Talking...through
the voice of Australian Aboriginal Artists included
an opening ceremony with a special performance by Northern Territory artist Barayuwa Munƞgurr and guided visits throughout the month of
December offered in both French and English.
Another standout exhibition included the photographic works of artist Craig Holmes, presented in partnership with Head On Photo Festival,
displayed at the Alliance Française de Sydney Media Centre during the month of May. These consisted of an evocative series of black and
white photographs presenting a unique insight into the daily rituals of Parisians travelling to and from work.
Other highlights includes the talk Monet Impressionism presented by Sydney University graduate and Francis Stuart Prize recipient Marie Chrétien. This lively discussion uncovered the enigma surrounding the iconic and pioneering painting Impression, Soleil levant by Claude Monet, which was recently exhibited at the National Gallery of Australia.
