The vibrant floral paintings of Michel Tavernier have brought warmth and luminosity to the town hall lobby of Saint-Rémy, with the exhibition opening on Friday, November 7th. The 85-year-old self-taught artist's works feature brilliant colors and radiant themes that provide a perfect seasonal contrast to the approaching autumn darkness.
The exhibition showcases Tavernier's distinctive artistic style, characterized by his pronounced affinity for vivid and striking colors, particularly red. Amélie Vion, the deputy mayor responsible for organizing these exhibitions, made a judicious choice in selecting Tavernier's work, as it reflects the preparation for the approaching Christmas festivities and embodies the desire to bring brilliance and luminosity to the doors of winter.
Passionate about floral art, Michel Tavernier reveals through his paintings a personality marked by freedom, adaptability, and a constant desire to perfect his artistic standards. This artistic philosophy may be particularly evident in his special affection for poppies, which hold deep symbolic meaning. In traditional interpretation, the poppy has become a symbol of endurance, while in Eastern culture, it represents love.
Tavernier's journey as an artist is particularly remarkable given his background as a self-taught painter who also serves as a volunteer painting instructor. Despite not being initially oriented toward teaching through his self-education, he created a painting school at the request of Raymond Brenot, the mayor of Châtenoy-en-Bresse. Today, his school boasts 24 students, many of whom were present at Friday evening's exhibition opening. "I wasn't particularly eager to create a school, and yet it has now existed for 22 years," Tavernier confided to attendees.
During the vernissage, Saint-Rémy Mayor Florence Plissonnier expressed her gratitude to Michel Tavernier for the beautiful exhibition, sharing her personal preferences among the displayed works before giving the floor to the artist. Tavernier took the opportunity to present himself and discuss his artistic journey, explaining his motivations for painting and his technical choices, which include oil painting, acrylic, and ink. He also spoke about his various artistic styles and expressed his admiration for several great painters who have influenced his work.
The artist graciously thanked the numerous attendees, including elected officials and friends who came to support the opening. The evening concluded with a convivial moment where guests had the opportunity to engage in personal conversations with Michel Tavernier, creating an intimate atmosphere that allowed art enthusiasts to connect directly with the creator and gain deeper insights into his artistic vision and techniques.
