A new book has just been published showcasing the work of contemporary artists in the Lake Geneva region.
Produced by the Fondation Lémanique pour l’Art Contemporain FLAC), Guide Contemporain III presents the work of around 375 artists and art groups – including visual artists, photographers, designers and performers – as well as information on 123 places dedicated to promoting the work of local artists. Published in the form of a handy, accessible guide aimed at broadening the public’s attitude to contemporary art, the book includes 288 pages, most of them illustrated with photos of local works of art, and provides a tribute to the exceptional vitality of contemporary creative art in the Lake Geneva region.
Broadening its scope
After two editions focused on Lausanne and its conurbations, it seemed only right that the latest edition of the “Guide Contemporain” would head down to the end of the lake this year, to include the work of talented artists based in Geneva as well.
Sophie Rogivue, President of the FLAC foundation, told knowitall.ch, “With many collaborative projects now taking place between Lausanne and Geneva, such as training opportunities, special initiatives and exhibitions, it has become increasingly difficult to separate the work of artists from both ends of the lake. So it made more sense this time, to include Geneva in this latest edition of the book!”
In addition to the Vaud committee, a special Geneva committee was also created to select appropriate entries for the book, under the close supervision of Simon Lamunière, local artist and exhibition curator. A key feature of the small, A5-sized book is not only the artists and groups who have been selected equally from both the Vaud and Geneva cantons, but also the special focus on “artistic and cultural spaces”, including institutions, museums, and independent galleries, all devoted to bringing the work of contemporary artists into the public domain.
Contemporary itineraries
Another special feature of the new book, particularly helpful to those who need some quidance on the best places to visit to appreciate local contemporary art, is the section entitled “Les Chemins Contemporains”. This section includes 6 contemporary itineraries, 3 in Lausanne and 3 in Geneva, which will help you to discover monumental art works and see architectural creations in a totally different light. Created by Simon Lamunière and fellow exhibition curator, Matthieu Jaccard (also architect and art historian), the itineraries cover: Lausanne center; Lausanne Ouchy; Lausanne Vidy; Genève Rhone, Genève Plainpalais; and Genève Secheron. All intineraries are described in English as well as French, with useful maps to guide you on your journey.
The new guide costs Fr. 29.- and can be purchased from Payot bookshops in the Lake Geneva region. While the book makes a great present for art lovers everywhere, it also provides a useful guide to those who simply want to find out more about local contemporary art, especially if you have the time to follow the recommended itineraries included. To get an idea of the kind of material covered in the guide, the FLAC website has recently been updated to complement the book and includes details on all the artists and places listed within it, as well as all the latest news on contemporary art in this region, including up and coming exhibitions.
About Fondation Lémanique pour l’Art Contemporain
Supported by a team of passionate volunteers, FLAC's mission is to support, promote and diffuse contemporary art in the Lake Geneva region, be it the work of artists or places that promote art. With the support of an executive committee, and Sophie Rogivue as its president, the foundation has initiated around 48 "Editions Contemporaines" since 2011 in partnership with the Ville de Lausanne, in order to promote the sale of works by artists included in the guide. An original work, limited to 10 numbered copies, can be bought for Fr. 200.- at an exhibition.
Fondation Lémanique pour l’Art Contemporain
www.guide-contemporain.ch
Click here for a list of Payot shops. Please check with the shop before you go there to make sure they have a copy.
