The arts and cultural festival Le French May is back again with a host of exhibitions, performances and other special events. If you’re at pains to choose what to see and do, don’t despair – we’ve selected the cream of the art and design crop for you.
Claude Monet: The Spirit of Place
Absolutely not to be missed is an exhibition of 17 of Monet’s most iconic landscape paintings, pastels and tapestries at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum until July 11. The works encompass Monet’s changing style throughout the years, and are sourced from public and private collections in France. Aside from painting, the master of French impressionism also had a talent for gardening; he enjoyed painting his own gardens, but also depicted beautiful outdoor scenes across Europe. Each of the four sections of the exhibition is dedicated to different locales: Normandy and Brittany; Paris and the Ile-de-France region; London and Venice; and Giverny, where Monet’s famous water-lily paintings originated.
Pierre Gonalons: Design Works
The Parisian interior designer, architect and creative director is putting on his first exhibition in Hong Kong – at Hotel Icon from May 27 to June 26. Gonalons is well-known for combining the trend-defying with the traditional and the minimalist with the avant-garde. Staged in the hotel’s 28th-floor lounge Above and Beyond, the exhibition showcases a range of works, including new and limited edition pieces. Of particular note is the Extraction console from his Grand Antique Marble collection, debuted at the AD Collections Fair earlier this year in Paris, and the Pyramid Ascete tables in polished brass. The exhibition is open from 2.30pm to 5.30pm daily.
Look out for our interview with Pierre Gonalons running later this month.
Edgar Degas: Figures in Motion
Famed for his paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings, Degas is perhaps best known for his work with figures – such as delicate dancers and dynamic racehorse jockeys, of which he captured extraordinarily fluid poses and gestures. Art connoisseurs have the unique opportunity to peruse an impressive array of 74 bronze sculptures by the 19th century artist at the MGM Art Space in the MGM Macau until November 16. Originally made from wax, clay or plaster, the pieces were cast in bronze by Degas’ contemporary, Albert Bartholomé, after the artist’s death in order to more adequately preserve his masterpieces in the years to come. The collection was previously exhibited at the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.
Le French Gourmay
For its eighth year, the French gastronomy and wine festival celebrates the region of Alsace, home to the 170km Alsace wine route. More than 100 participating restaurants will be presenting specially designed menus that incorporate the region’s cuisine throughout the month; don’t forget to check out the traditional French market as well as the various tastings and workshops that will be running throughout the city.
Parfumerie Trésor: Artistic Perfume Appreciation Workshop
Benny Tung, co-founder of the artistic perfume boutique Parfumerie Trésor and François Hénin, founder of renowned French perfume house Jovoy, will be giving workshops on the art of the fragrance, from classes charting the history and culture of French perfume to more practical sessions that instruct participants on selecting the best scent for every occasion. Tung’s sessions will be running throughout the month, while Hénin’s sessions are only available on May 19 and 20. Tickets are $100 each.
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