Port-de-Bouc: between giant frescoes and working-class memory, the “Les Nouveaux Ateliers” festival transforms the town into an open-air museum

In Port-de-Bouc, street art is not just a decoration, it’s a second skin. To be convinced, just listen Jean-Mariea neighbor seen in front of a fresco in progress:“I’m not at all angry to see these graffiti artists, on the contrary! If they could put a little more joy everywhere, that would be fantastic. It enriches life, it gives color when we drive by. It’s a source of pride. HAS”

 

Upside-down boats and the history of women

Accompanied by a group of 25 people, our guide and artistDweezil Lankar leads the way. In front of each wall, a story. Like the one created by the artistPrimaloriginally from Avignon, on Place Lazzarino. We see four women carrying a boat at arm’s length.
“Primal learned about the history of the city before comingâ€explainComeartist and member of the festival team.“He wanted to evoke an event around the shipyards: a moment of financial difficulties where women had intervened to demonstrate by carrying boats upside down. HAS”

For Koma, who himself created a fresco behind the emblematic Gagarin Hall for the town’s 150th anniversary, the festival is a family affair: “I took part in all seven editions. In Port-de-Bouc, we are in the 21st century, we are evolving, and the welcome from the residents was immediate. HAS”

 

 

Le Méliès: childhood memories of an old church

The route then leads to the cinemaLe Mélièsan emblematic place if ever there was one. The artistElisa CapdevillaShe painted a family meal scene there from a photo of her as a child.“It’s to say that childhood memories are joyful and that they remain despite the years that pass”emphasizes Dweezil. A symbolic choice for this building which was once… a church. “We see that another religion has taken its place: that of cinema! HAS”s’amuse Michel Montagne.

In the group, enthusiasm is general. A resident ofMartiguesabsolute fan, says he doesn’t miss any edition. At his side, Gilles, neo Port-de-Boucain (who admits in a low voice coming from Paris) admits his (good) surprise: “I came to settle here because it is a city that is vibrant and welcoming. This course is very interesting because it talks about history, working culture and struggles. In Paris, we don’t have such a concentration of frescoes! HAS”

 

 

Maritima, they lien par-delà the frontières

Proof of the influence of the festival and your media, an unusual encounter marked the morning: that ofMarie-Jocoming from Forez, not far from Saint-Étienne. “I live in Firminy, but my daughter lives in Martigues. So I turn on Maritima TV every day to see what’s going on here! HAS”she says with a mischievous smile.“Sometimes I call my daughter and say to her: ‘Hey, you didn’t know about such an event?’ It’s me who teaches him things about his own city thanks to you! HAS”

 

 

A logistical and artistic challenge

The festival is also high-flying. To paint walls 6 meters high and 8 meters wide, the artists abandon the brush for the roller, perched on construction pods.
The mayor,Laurent Belsolarecalls the ambition of this project:“It’s about rethinking our connection to public space, shaking up reality. It is a celebration of our diversity and our humanity. HAS”

Until Saturday, the public can still see the artists at work. A tip: pass by the Impasse Bully, one of the most historic places in the city, transformed by the artist’s summer colors Olivia De Bona.

 

 

Practical information

• Quoi :Â “Les Nouveaux Ateliers” Festival (7th edition).

• Hi: throughout the town of Port-de-Bouc.

• When : until Saturday June 6.

• To see:10 new artists in action (Bims, Téa Kvar, Stom100…).