“We included in our program this desire to beautify the city through art”recalls Dorian Janray, deputy mayor in charge of Commerce. “And we are all the more happy to host this exhibition as it highlights a local artist. HAS”
Originally from Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Christian Rampnoux also maintains a special link with Agen. “I have always had a little affection for this city”he smiles, evoking his childhood memories, the breakfasts taken at the old Regina hotel or the walks to the Hermitage and the canal bridge.
An artisanal work « de A jusqu’à Z«Â
A sculptor for over fifty years, Christian Rampnoux creates all of his works himself using techniques inherited from the masters of the 19th century. “I do everything from A to Z”he insists. Each sculpture begins with a clay modeling that can require up to 180 kilos of material, “before a long process of molding and then printing in polychrome resin”, he continues. His female characters, inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, oscillate between art deco and pop art. “I like the female body, retro atmospheres, bright colorsâ€he confides. Works that are poetic, fun and accessible, designed to dialogue with public space.
Twelve sculptures in twelve emblematic places
The artistic journey will take in several emblematic sites of the city: Place Wilson, the aqueduct, Armand-Fallières park, rue des Cornières, the bicycle café and even the marina. Among the works exhibited will be “No swimming”, “The big bath”, “Italian ice cream” or even “Poison dart frogs”, two imposing colorful frogs installed in Jayan Park. A new sculpture, specially created for Agen, will also be unveiled on the hillside of the Ermitage: “Knappy wind”. “At the start, I wanted to pay homage to the inventor of color photography Louis Ducos du Hauron and his famous photo taken from the top of the hill,†explains the artist. “Then the idea evolved towards this windswept character, imagining what one might feel up there at the Hermitage. It took me three months to make it. HAS” Designed as a true artistic walk, the exhibition aims to make contemporary art accessible to as many people as possible. “The sculptures challenge passers-by without imposing a discourse”underlines Dorian Janray.
The official inauguration will take place on June 4 at 4 p.m. at Place Wilson, before a tour through several works in the city center. At the end of the exhibition, the sculptures will return to the artist’s studio… unless some find a buyer. “If someone buys, yes”slips Christian Rampnoux with humor. “But you have to have a little space. HAS”
Information //
Exhibition “The Bathers” by Christian Rampnoux,
from June 8 to September 27, 2026 in the city center of Agen.Â
Inauguration on June 4 at 4 p.m. at Place Wilson.
