Contemporary arts

Shocking venues

Surprising venues around Brittany have been turned into contemporary art spaces, from traditional chapels to historic châteaux and Pont-Aven isn’t the only Breton village to have seen an invasion of contemporary artists. As for the big cities, they have thriving contemporary art scenes, especially as the FRAC (the regional contemporary art fund) has a collection of thousands of works.

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Art in unusual places 

The grandest Breton country stop for contemporary art lovers is the Château de Kerguéhennec, in inland Morbihan, with a wonderful array of installations. A number of rural chapels have become havens for contemporary artists in season – look out for exhibitions such as L’Art dans les Chapelles around Pontivy, or L’Art à la Pointe, on the Cap Sizun. Some isolated chapels have also been graced with fine, permanent contemporary pieces, such as Penmarc’h’s Chapelle de la Madeleine, its stained glass by accomplished artist Bazaine. The disused lighthouse at the nearby port of St-Pierre hosts regular contemporary art exhibitions – any venue can turn trendy these days.

Village vibes 

Pont-Aven isn’t simply devoted to Gauguin and his followers, as the high street is lined with contemporary art galleries, plus there’s a centre for contemporary creation. Nearby, Nizon has ventured into Pop Art. In the north, Bazouges-la-Pérouse has experimented with contemporary art too and many other small towns have their contemporary art venues, set in some startling places, like old fishermen’s shelters.

Urban shocks 

In Rennes, La Criée and Le Bon Accueil are leading contemporary art venues, while the city hosts a biennial contemporary art show (even years). Other big cities boast contemporary art venues, Brest La Passerrelle for the plastic arts and more, and Quimper with its Le Quartier. They’re all fashionable places to gather.

Did you know ? 

Breton sculptor Philippe Cormand often gets out his chainsaw out to make his art works, which reflect the legends and flora and fauna of central Brittany.