Hello Monaco #10 Winter 2020–2021 | Page 83

HISTORY PAGES
© Fondation Folon / ADAGP , Paris , 2020
Jean-Michel Folon . Partir . Bronze , 2001 .
THE MONACO LEGACY

The legacy of Jean-Michel Folon is

luckily available for all to see in Monaco . His work-place is intact . Just as he had left it or almost . Jean-Michel Folon left our world on an autumn evening in 2005 but his life is still there in his studio on Quai Antoine Ier — the one which Prince Rainier III proposed to him and which he had occupied for so many years — and where he drew on his large work table fronting on the azure Mediterranean .
The workshop today lives on as a space to be visited , according to the wishes of the Folon Foundation ( Belgium ) with the support of the Principality . In November 2015 , for the 10th anniversary of the artist ’ s death , the Folon Foundation created a Monaco association specially in order to keep the atmosphere and share the energy it contains .
Feel the presence of the genius in his workshop , the unique artist who could make memorable art from an old hat ; yes , just a hat . He would add two airholes and a clip resembling a face — adding a slosh of paint as only a genius knows how to enhance the effect . Even his drawings can appear deceptively simple at first glance , but when you look more closely you realise how clever they are .
Visit and get a bird ’ s eye private view of the artist ’ s cozy intimate world . You will see his brushes and even other everyday objects , including his widow ’ s apron hanging on a chair . It is brimming to overflowing with the artist ’ s works . Sculptures , watercolours and memorabilia including a letter from
Woody Allen with whom he had collaborated on a project .
There are Guides trained to introduce the workshop to visitors in several languages . The Monegasque workshop managed by the Folon Foundation complements the Belgian museum that the artist imagined during his lifetime . Music and films enhance the visit .
THE LEGACY OF JEAN- MICHEL FOLON IS LUCKILY AVAILABLE FOR ALL TO SEE IN MONACO . HIS WORK- PLACE IS INTACT . JUST AS HE HAD LEFT IT OR ALMOST .
Art workshops are led by Patrick Jacqmot , architect and friend of the artist where you can explore the technique of watercolour but also gouache , pastel , and collages . For dates and hours of classes please check the Atelier official website .
MONACO L ’ ATELIER FOLON Sandra Vial atelierfolon @ monaco . mc + 377 9350 0610 8 , Quai Antoine I , Monaco
FOLON FOUNDATION https :// fondationfolon . be /
HelloMonaco magazine thanks the Folon Foundation for the illustrations .
Jean-Michel Folon . L ’ aube . Silkscreen print , 1984 .
Jean-Michel Folon . 31st Monte-Carlo Television Festival , 1991 . Offset print based on a watercolour .
Jean-Michel Folon . XXIst Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival , 1997 . Offset print based on a watercolour .
© Fondation Folon / ADAGP , Paris , 2020 © Fondation Folon / ADAGP , Paris , 2020 © Fondation Folon / ADAGP , Paris , 2020
Hello Monaco Winter 2020 – 2021 / 81 www . hellomonaco . com