LAVARDENS, FRANCE.- The Chateau de Lavardens presents Tapestry –The Art and The Matter, on view through September 18, 2006. In a unique setting, an itinerary of the art of tapestry in the 20th century through the works of the great masters of modern and contemporary art. With over forty works from prestigious, private collections, the Castle of Lavardens offers a new perspective of the art of weaving of the XXth century. The tapestries chosen are among the most representative of the artistic movements of the last fifty years. While not pretending to be exhaustive, the exibition focuses on giving a new visiblity to tapestry and tries to redefine more precisely its place in contemporary creation.

Why tapestry ? Lurçat would have said, «Because there are walls!» It is true that the Castle of Lavardens, which goes back to the XIIth century, is built entirely in freestone. Standing on four levels, its size and volume are impressive and it holds large rooms. This architectural ensemble demands monumental art, and by playing with the softness of the light and the whiteness of the walls that contrast with the brightness of the colors, tapesry is in the best frame possible. The exhibition covers some ten rooms, allowing us to admire works of very large dimensions. It is made up of three parts. The «Tribute» to tapestry designers who became famous thanks to their tapestry work: Jean Lurçat, Dom Robert, Mario Prassinos... «Recignition» of major artists of the XXth century who demonstrated their interest for this medium, such as Sonia Delaunay, Victor Vasarely, Marcel Gromaire, Le Corbusier. Last but not least, the «Innovation» of today’s cr eators such as Richard Texier, Henri Guérin, Jacques Haramburus.