The cradle of Impressionism
You are here in the cradle of this current so criticized at the time of its appearance, so recognized today. Rapidly, around the 1860s, this new technique spread among young painters: painting with brushstrokes, pure colors, everyday subjects, precise work on the motif. This revolution, acclaimed by many, included Camille Pissarro, whose hundred or so etchings and drawings, as well as a rare painting from 1864, are now housed in the museum of the same name in Pontoise. The latter, who lived in Pontoise in the 1860s and 1870s (an installation favored by the arrival of the railroad in the city), found here innumerable sources of inspiration: natural landscapes (fields, the Oise) and more urban ones. In addition to painting, Impressionism also found expression in engravings: Pissarro and his friend Dr. Gachet, who lived in Auvers-sur-Oise, developed a technique that allowed for a better rendering. Beyond Pissarro's pioneering role, many other talents passed through here, for varying lengths of time, to illustrate not only Pontoise, but also the surrounding area: Béliard, Piette, Guillaumin, Thornley, Gauguin and even Cézanne.
Current art
The emergence of the new town was accompanied, here more than elsewhere, by the installation of contemporary artworks, making the area a reference in the field. Thus, one cannot ignore the exceptional Axe majeur, probably the most important work of art in the entire region. This 3 kilometer long rectilinear path, which goes down from the Saint-Christophe district in Cergy to the edge of the Oise, and even a little beyond, does not only offer a vast panorama: it is in itself a work of art in its own right, imagined by the artist Dani Karavan. Here, the so-called environmental sculptures are legion, and are as many references in contemporary art. The art here is also visual, and the laser beam that lights up the place at night appears to be a source of inspiration for many artists. Let yourself be surprised by a stroll through the premises (without forgetting to make a detour through the park of the Anne and Gérard Philipe house, just next door), and your senses will be awakened by the artistic talents deployed to make the premises a world reference.
Beautiful museums..
To appreciate the art here, beyond your wanderings, there is nothing like the museums. In Pontoise, you can discover the Tavet-Delacour museum. The latter, installed in a splendid mansion that was once the home of the Grand Vicar, offers multiple collections. Until the 1960s, religious objects, drawings and paintings dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, as well as various works by the painter Eugène Carrière made up the bulk of the museum's collections. In 1968, the donation of Otto Freundlich changed the situation. Freundlich, a victim of Nazism and a precursor of non-figurative painting, was also involved in sculpture and mosaics, leaving a rich collection that was as eclectic as it was diverse. The importance of the donation was followed by a policy of acquiring numerous works, including some by Matisse, Piper or Gramatzki, for example.
Another museum is dedicated to Camille Pissarro. Also located in Pontoise, it stands on the ramparts. A pioneer of Impressionism, he lived in the city for a dozen years in the second half of the 19th century and found the inspiration he needed for this innovative artistic movement in the area. The carefully designed museography allows us to appreciate not only the artist's paintings, but also pre- and post-impressionist works by Linet, Daubigny or Jimenez.
... multiple exhibition spaces..
In Cergy, contemporary art is also exhibited, and in what a way: a dedicated place, called the Carreau, is devoted to visual arts. Its events, which highlight the work of recognized artists of all nationalities, are a reference in the field. Here, we are not satisfied with simply showing you the works: there are numerous programs of activities that accompany the various exhibitions. At the same time, the territory of Cergy-Pontoise and the surrounding towns are full of places that host events, temporary or not, and often located in splendid settings: the Maubuisson Abbey, in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, the Calandres space in Eragny-sur-Oise or the one named after the painter and lithographer William Thornley, in Osny. A little further away, you will discover in Auvers-sur-Oise several places of artistic exhibitions. The castle of the city invites you to celebrate the impressionists through an interactive museography. Finally, temporary exhibitions punctuate the different cultural seasons, and are as many good reasons to come, and to return.
... and regular meetings
Every year, Pontoise hosts the arts and multimedia fair. There are many places to exhibit, whether it is the Gingko Art cultural space, the Dome hall or the courtyard of the city hall - the list is not exhaustive. Thus, dozens of exhibitors allow you to discover and sometimes even acquire splendid works, the whole being sponsored by several guests of honor.
A tradition perpetuated
Today, artistic training has evolved: thus, in Cergy is the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Arts de Paris-Cergy (ENSAPC). This university institution, inaugurated in 1975 and part of the vast university campus of Cergy-Pontoise, perpetuates the artistic tradition of the region, allowing many future artists to prepare the national diploma of plastic expression. Cinema, video, sound and other activities dedicated to multimedia are among the main courses offered. Thus, from the impressionist school of the 19th century to the young talents of the 21st century, the artistic thread runs through the different periods and styles.
