Interview with Bernard Calendini

What are the aims of the European Meetings of Contemporary art ?

Since 1998, the idea of Le Manif has been to gather in Nîmes, within our limited resources, the most complete possible representation of contemporary artistic activity in all disciplines. In addition to the interest which the exhibition of work brings, it seems to us that other forms of artistic expressions can born from the dialogue between works and artists.

Moreover, we have always wanted this event to become a moment shared and built by many art professionals, and we are getting nearer and nearer to this goal. This year, in addition to the Le Manif team, several artists, gallery owners and teachers took part in the development of the project. Thus it has become a federative event giving contemporary art experts an opportunity to express themselves, who, being by definition innovators, usually have problems finding such a forum. We want to facilitate as much as possible the exercise of their arts.


What does the contemporary art represent for Le Manif ?

Contemporary art, from the art historical viewpoint, is the final expression of this field of creation. It is also an expression forever evolving since it’s never definitive. Here there is a movement which makes sense in the art work, which, suddenly and contrary to expectation, takes shape and reveals a thought, which adds or causes a glance, and propels us towards an aesthetic desire of surpassing.

Le Manif, modestly, wants to take part, along with others, in promoting access of the greatest number to this field. There is a value that, to be realized in all its dimensions, must be shared


What does the topic "Taboo or not Taboo" express?

First of all the topic of this year expresses the position of the contemporary artist who, pushing conventional limits aside, wants to seek new means of expression through transgression. The wording stresses the international aspect of this questioning.

This year we start an itinerant movement and we will exhibit in other cities of the area such as Mende (Lozère) and european countries. We hope that creative art settles down in these places in which we hope to have great events and where reflection and demonstration will meet.

Bernard Calendini, President of Le Manif