The Melting Potes, an open place, if there ever was one, welcomes anonymous people of all ages and cultures around a drink or an activity. And at the moment the associative and solidarity café is also welcoming a host of planetary and intergalactic stars, known (almost) to everyone, thanks to the talent of Olivier Pouvreau, alias Tonton Olive. This “enlightened amateur painter” from Pau has created a gallery of portraits, watercolors painted on canvas, representing characters who echo “his popular culture, cinema and television, but who speak to everyone”.
Thus in a pop art spirit, “whimsical and popular” and colorful, the painter (re) brings to life John Lennon, Bourvil, Yvette Horner, Starsky and Hutch, Laurel and Hardy, Einstein, and other people from cartoons or comic strips. It was Mickey who initiated this series 13 years ago, following a request from his grandson. “I got into the game and realized that people liked it” so much so that Tonton Olive has, to date, painted more than 400 portraits, 198 of which are currently exhibited at the Melting Potes (Avenue de la Marne). And instead of an opening, the artist offered a quiz and blind test evening. You now have until June 4, from Monday to Friday, to try your turn to find the identity of these real or fictional characters and to associate them with their art or their works. Just for the pleasure of reviewing your knowledge and showcasing your culture.
