Art. An American dream floats in Pont Aven
Twenty years after Christo, who wrapped the Pont-Neuf in polyester material in Paris, John K Melvin (on the right) wants to wrap Pont-Aven, by suspending giant scrims above the river. Above is a modeled vision of the "L’Aven Project" which should be on view for visitors during the month of August 2006. (Photographs DR. and J.-L. P.)
You often hear that the Americans see all things big... John K Melvin, a young artist who has enjoyed a prolonged stay with the Pont-Aven School of Art, embodies this reputation perfectly by proposing a river installation for next August above the Aven. It is insane how the arrival of this school on the edges of the Aven has refreshed the artistic landscape. In the “city of painters”, contemporary art and its enthusiasms have captivated the district, a nod to the conventional art galleries which continue to deftly maintain the interest of tourists. In this place where the students create and change, the wildest dreams are born. Like that of John K Melvin, young, 29 year old Californian, who appeared in the first promotion in February 2005.
Scrims suspended above the river
Such an impression was made on the man during his four month residency, that the director of the school offered him a position as assistant to the professors, giving him time to complete an overflowing project of imagination. But what is this "L’Aven Project"? As months were spent focusing on this matter, in the studios of rue Belle-Angèle, John had time to imagine. With the smallest details engraved in his mind. the installation was designed on the computer "My objective”, smiles the interested party while unraveling the images on a monitor, “is to design a large installation of scrims that will expand one’s perspective of two kilometers of river, between the bridge of the downtown area and the footbridge at the Bois D’Amour".
By its size, this installation, which falls into the category of Land Art, can be categorized as XXL. Consider : 36 translucent fabric scrims of 100 square meters on average, as well as, 1.500 meters of nylon cords, to fasten the scrims at 72 points of attachment made of steel that will be fixed on each side of two banks. "These translucent scrims, of fine mesh, will act as multiple screens which will manipulate light and shadow as it exists", envisions the artist whose goal is ,of course, to challenge the visitor, but also to question the history of this place which was formed by human power.
25.000 € to find
This project, which is inspired by such things as the wrapping of expensive monuments by Christo, already profits from the enthusiastic support of the municipality of Pont-Aven. Its realization, however, is still up in the air without authorizations of residents or fishermen of the river who will be consulted soon, as well as raising the 25.000 € necessary for the purchase of supplies. John already has some contacts of suppliers of invaluable fabric in his native California. To reduce the amount of fabric used over a question of money? It would be a pity to. "It seems that in France too, little brooks can become a large river... So, if private individuals or sponsors are interested in my idea, I am available to meet them", proposes the former student of marketing...his vision now converted and focused on works of art.
Jean-Luc Padellec
Contact: 02.98.09.10.45. at the Pont-Aven School of Art.
