Folon's Pastel Dreams

2014/07/19 - 2014/09/25

Jean Michel Folon is a Belgian artist of water-colours who conveyed meaningful messages in his works. I would like to focus on his interpretation which is approachable for both children and adults.

In the first half I would introduce his art in Brussels as well as his childhood and artistic thoughts, visiting the museum in outskirts. In the second half I would visit a small church which is 30 minutes from Durbuy to see his last work, stained glass of Saint Stephen.

<Reference>
http://www.jean-michel-folon.eu/

エリア マルシュ・アン・ファメンヌ(ベルギー)

• 旅行の満足度: 5.0
• 観光: 5.0

• 交通手段: 徒歩
• 旅行の手配内容: 個別手配

'Magic City' 1974

This dynamic fresco(165m2) is exhibited in Montgomery metro station near the EU district in Brussels. Folon intended to bring colourful brightness in the dark underground station. The theme is a future world: the rainbows surrounding the sun symbolise hope while the clouds threat. Folon usually has a double-meaning message in his work.

Now I came to L'Abbaye de la Cambre in south-east of Brussels.
Folon was born nearby and studied at an art school which used to be in these premises. The French version of Wikipedia introduces this building as his school.

Currently the garden is open to public and I often come here for a picnic as well as other Brussels citizens. Wonderful to have beer under the clear sky!

The garden covered with snow.

I chose some music pieces which suit Folon's art.
Eric Satie 'Gymnopedie No. 3'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h4vGRiNYLo

I would like to indicate the way to get to his museum Fondation de Folon. From De Brouckere or Brussels Central Sation take the bus 71 to direction Delta and get off at Flagey. A 20 meter-walk brings you to this bus stop run by another company. Get a bus to Rixansart.

There are at most 3 buses every hour. I would suggest to kill times in an Irish pub De Valera. It would also be nice to see the market in weekend. However, I would not recommend to take this public transport in winter.

The forest Soigne covers the south-east of Brussels. The entrance from La Hulpe is splendid with the castle La Hulpe after passing 2 ponds.

Originally a nobleman owned this terrain until Ernest Solvay, the founder of a chemical company purchased it in 1893. He was also the owner of the famous townhouse which I introduced in the Art Nouveau blog. The architect Horta was also appointed to renovate this castle.

From the other side of the castle.

Folon must have developed his sense walking in the forest with his parents every weekend in his childhood.

If you go further, you find the museum where the bronze sculpture welcomes you.
The white building used to be a barn designed by Cluysenaar who was in charge of Saint Hubert, the famous arcade in Brussels. Folon's museum opened here in 2000.

Nameless 1994

A man in a coat with a hat and bag is frequently an important motif of Folon. I presume that his personality was rather introverted.

As it is not allowed to take photos inside the museum, I post a snap shot of the postcard in my possession.
Please see the site below to get an image of the museum.
http://www.fondationfolon.be/fondation_photos_en.htm

'L'Aube' 1984
A red eye is stunningly staring at you from the darkness in dawn. Perhaps the eye depicts the sun.

'Grande Pluie' 1996
This statue stands in the patio of the museum. Very chaming expression of rain and an umbrella using water of the fountain.
Let's go further in the forest.

A bird flying over the pond

becomes his fundamental motif as well.

'La Libert?・'

'Poster of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights'

Source of the photo
http://www.bel2.jp/tourism/article/musee_folon.html

'Femme Oiseau' 1993
Folon's works create a familiar atmosphere so that you could retrieve your childlike innocence. However, his subject matter was 'relentless urban conformity and loneliness' according to the obituary of The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/22/arts/design/22folon.html?_r=0

I remembered Michael Ende's 'Momo.' Both masters questioned the contemporary life in different methods.

Before heading the church, which is my main topic, I would like to introduce one more statue.

'La mer, ce grand sculpture' 1997
The sea of Knokke, which is in the north of Ostende gave a lot of memories to young Folon. The man in a coat sitting permanently in the sea. It's amazing talent to depict loneliness in this way.

Source of the photo
http://www.jean-michel-folon.eu/friendsclub//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=30

If you see a sign like this, you might burst into laughter 'Wahaha.'
From Marche en Famenne train station it takes 20 minutes on foot to Waha's church. Trains from Brussels run every hour and it takes 2 hours.

The BGM here is Gounod's Ave Maria, an ensemble of the harp and the violin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hlEbOZBL_s

Unlike a tender and sensitive impression of his works, Folon himself was so energetic that he handled all sorts of art forms; paintings, sculptures, posters etc. His last work is found in this small church.

Looking at the stained glass from outside.

This church is the only existing Roman church in Belgium made of stones which dates back to 1050.

I was waiting for a group of local seniors to finish the visit, but their guide told me not to hesitate to take photos. When I was photographing the glass, an old woman beckoned me to a small room beside the alter.

4 wooden statues were standing behind the glass.
They are said to be created in the 15 and 16th century by the 'Master of Waha.' Not so much about him is known.

Clock-wise from the right top: Saint Jean, Saint Hubert, Saint Jacques le Majeur, Calvary Saint or Virgin.

Serenity of blue light fulfills the church.

The morning sunshine casts brilliant light through the stained glass.

Folon's birds of freedom are portrayed on the windows on top.
There are totally 16 windows.

6 larger pieces of glass at bottom shows the episode of Saint Etienne(or Stephen), the main icon of the church. Saint Etienne was Greek speaking Jewish who became the first martyr in Christianity by being stoned, criticising the Sanhedrin.

Folon illustrated what is written in the Acts of the Apostles. I would like to summarise the brochure from the church as below.

(1) On the day that Etienne was born, one bishop who visited his house found the baby Etienne being fed by a white hind. This part is imaginary since bishops didn't exist at that time.

(2) After becoming an adult, Etienne performed miracles for public. This led him to be arrested for blasphemy. Although the Sanhedrin with pointed hats accused him, Etienne didn't stop his speech and got sentenced to be stoned.

(3)Etiennes was guarded by the angel and the dove with a holy spirit while he was responding to the Sanhedrin.

(4)As per the judgement numerous stones were thrown at Etienne. His tears of torment turned to snow flakes. Folon added his imagination to the simple description of the Acts of the Apostles.

(5) Etienne means a crown in Greek. The hand of God bestowed the crown of glory to Etienne who devoted his life to the faith.

(6)4 centuries later 3 golden vases and 1 silver vase were found from where Etienne was buried. One red rose bloomed on top of a golden vase and 3 white ones on other vases. The red rose symbolises the dignity of the martyr.

At the end of this visit I would like to quote Folon's word.
"I myself haven't created my art works...I merely wish everyone to cast one's dreams on the works as I have done with mine."

What a modest word!

Cited from
http://www.manneken.co.jp/story/column/vol_12.html　（Retranslated from Japanese）

Further driving for 30 minutes takes you to Durbuy, which is extremely popular among Japanese tourists. Durbuy was officially registered as a town in 1331 and the current population is approximately 10,000. I would really like to inquire how come it's called 'the smallest town in the world.'

Durbuy Castle built in the 9th century should have been tourists-attractive if it were not a private residence.

Because the parking charge was very expensive and my bank card was not accepted, I could only afford for 1 hour. With a river view I had rice balls which I prepared at home.

I had to give up local beer which tempted me a lot.
Due to the warmth of the afternoon sunshine and the pastoral scenery, I was about to fall asleep. However, I managed to come home safely.

Belgians enjoy natural activities such as camping and hiking etc. in Ardenne. If you drive around, there are plenty of chances to enjoy visiting old castles and caves so on.