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Dr. Alain Frère, the 90-year-old former mayor of Tourrette-Levens, is bringing his lifelong passion for the big top to Santiago, Chile, for the upcoming Fiestas Patrias celebrations on September 1. According to local reporting, Frère served as mayor for 37 years starting in 1983, during which he transformed the town’s historic château into a museum and established a cultural space that annually honors the circus arts.
Patrick Moya Transforms the Tourrette-Levens Cultural Space
Running through September 13 at the Espace culturel de Tourrette-Levens, the exhibition titled “Moya fait son cirque” features the work of contemporary artist Patrick Moya. According to reporting from La Strada, the exhibition pairs historical posters, costumes, and accessories from Frère’s private collection with monumental canvases and sculptures created by Moya. At 70 years old, the Nice-based artist first exhibited his circus-themed works internationally in 1990 in Thessaloniki, Greece, before launching his traveling Moya Circus exhibition.
Frère noted that Moya toured his private museum, studying original costumes and paintings to recreate them in his own artistic style. The exhibition features four clown costumes at the entrance, with faces made up by artist, singer, and marionette performer Charlotte Libeau. Libeau also performs her show, À la recherche de la chaise bleue, every Sunday afternoon during the exhibition run.
International Recognition and the Monte-Carlo Connection
According to local sources, Princess Stéphanie suggested Moya’s involvement for the festival in 2007. Since then, Moya has designed the tunnel leading into the grand chapiteau, official festival posters for the 35th and 38th editions, and various event merchandise.
Among the artworks on display are representations of Baby and Népal, two elephants rescued from euthanasia by Princess Stéphanie in 2013. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Sunday from 14h to 19h at place Louis Girard, with free admission for the public.
Worth a look