The sun is glowing, it’s reaching 30 degrees at the beginning of April, and I am studying in the South of France. Not far from the cultural hub of Marseille, I roam the streets of Aix-en-Provence, an ancient city founded by the Romans. What is most striking about this Southern city is its relationship with art.
As the birthplace of post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, a lot of the city’s cultural identity comes from its rich history and involvement with the arts. In fact, as I leave my flat every morning, I am faced with a view of the Sainte-Victoire, a mountain painted by Cézanne more than 80 times, a constant reminder of the city’s artistic history.
Having lived in Stirling for a few years, I am fairly accustomed to living in a city whose culture is deeply entwined with its history. Now, however, I get the chance to experience this through a new lens: through art.
In Aix, you are immediately immersed in the city’s cultural heritage. Walking the streets, you can trace the steps of Cézanne by following the gold crests on the pavement that display a grand C next to his name. You can visit his workspace, the viewpoint where he painted so many of his paintings of the Sainte-Victoire, a museum dedicated to his works, or even a cinema which takes his name.
All of this to say, art is inescapable. Art is the foundation of this city; its culture seems to be formed by its relationship with the art that was created here. It is something that transcends language barriers and cultural differences, bringing people to a mutual level of understanding. These paintings capture the beauty of the city through the eyes of someone who lived its history.
The history of Aix’s art scene does not stop at Cézanne, though. Picasso is buried not far away from Aix-en-Provence at the Château de Vauvenargues, where he lived not too long before his death. The château holds a beautiful view of the Sainte-Victoire, which Picasso loved deeply. And, of course, many beautiful pieces of Aixois art have found their way into museums, such as those of Louis Gautier.
With multiple museums dotted around the city, Aix is a city which recognises the significance of the art and artists that have emerged here. Each piece of art is an expression of cultural identity, integral to the preservation of history.
Though I would not necessarily consider myself educated on art and art history, I do feel like living somewhere with such a relationship with art has greatly contributed to my appreciation.
In truth, it’s hard to ignore art when it is everywhere you look. It’s even harder to imagine living without art around every corner.
Feature Image Credit: Tess Bowen
