Tuesday 11 August 2015

Street art in Les Arcs-sur-Argens

One thing I love about wandering around the streets of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, is the amount of art that exists. Some of it is deliberate - as in the murals and trompe-l'oeil - some is a personal statement and some is almost careless beauty.

This is a trompe-l'oeil above the public toilets just off the Place General de Gaulle in Les Arcs.

The building is flat-fronted, even though it appears 3D.

This building was partially destroyed in the inondations - floods - of 15 June 2010, so it is great to see the way it has been brightened up.

It always brings a smile to my face.




This is the most photographed doorway in our street.

It is a scene of medieval Les Arcs, also painted as a tromp-l'oeil by the cousin (I think) of my next door neighbour.

It is actually the double door of a cave - cellar - and brightens the end of our street.

The painting shows the castle and the tower with the yellow and red striped flag of Provence flying above it.

My neighbour told me that he paints scenes like this in many of the towns he visits.











I have always loved this little 'family' sculpture on the gate post of a house high up in Le Parage.

I know nothing about it, but they appear serene and protected and it is one of my favourites.













Then there is this fellow, hiding out high above the footpath in a hidden corner of the maze of streets below the medieval quartier.

He gazes out from his 'window' - a bored king or price - on the crowds below.

I first thought of him as a gargoyle, but I imagine he just feels trapped by his awkward position.

He now overlooks the Creperie at the lower end of our street, so he must get tired of watching everyone else enjoying themselves.



And finally, the unexpected 'art' that you find even when you're not looking for it.

Wandering up the stone steps behind the church one hot afternoon, the shadow of the wrought-iron support for the street lamp made an interesting spill across the building behind with its faded ochre wall.

I would have liked it visually a lot more without the drainpipe and tangle of wiring, but that is part of the reality of the town.

You find beauty where you can - it doesn't have to be perfect.

It's all part of the art of looking.

2 comments:

  1. Your town too! What a good buy you made!!!!!

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  2. What a gorgeous part of the world Jan. Enjoy that beauty!

    ReplyDelete