Frédérique Nalbandian
« Hygie et Panacée »
In this aptly themed exhibition, the artist has used soap to sculpt figures ranging from the Greek goddess Panacea, who gave us plant-based remedies, to her sister Hygiea, symbol of health and hygiene.
By Tanja Stojanov – Photo François Fernandez
Panacée (en trois versions) et Hygie (à droite), déesses grecques du soin, en savon, symbole de l’hygiène.
For the reopening of the Eva Vautier gallery in Nice, Frédérique Nalbandian sought inspiration from ancient art before diving into the theme of hygienics. A graduate of the Villa Arson, Frédérique has always preferred plaster and soap to other materials. In this exhibition she demonstrates her technical virtuosity in larger-than-life statues. From Hygeia, whose massive and almost virile presence recalls the heights of the classical period, to the three versions of Panacea—the folds of their clothes evoking the expressive Hellenistic period—the visit feels something like a review of the history of Greek statues. Yet it is also spiked with modernity, as visitors are invited to indulge in a very modern ritual: rubbing their wet hands on Hygeia’s soap body and nailing their towels to the wall as if to ward off evil. An exhibition not to be missed.
Jusqu’au 30 juin
Galerie Eva Vautier
2 rue Vernier, Nice
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