ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

François Arnal Retrospective at Villa Tamaris and Fort Napoléon

exhibition · 2026-04-23

A dual-venue showcase of François Arnal's artwork is taking place from July 7 to September 9, 2001, at Villa Tamaris, and from July 7 to August 3, 2001, at Fort Napoléon in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France. Curated by Françoise Baudisson and Robert Bonnaccorsi, with spatial design by Éric Mangion, the exhibition highlights nearly fifty years of Arnal's artistic journey. It presents paintings from the 1950s related to Art Informel, pieces from Tahiti, early works from the Meeps series, and sculptures that have rarely been shown before. A partial reconstruction of his studio features works from the 1990s and 2000s, while Fort Napoléon emphasizes the Élémentaires and Blessures series from the 1980s. A catalogue accompanies the exhibition, including texts by Éric Mangion and Arnal's writings on the Meeps.

Key facts

  • Exhibition dates: Villa Tamaris July 7–September 9, 2001; Fort Napoléon July 7–August 3, 2001
  • Organized by Françoise Baudisson and Robert Bonnaccorsi
  • Spatial design by Éric Mangion
  • Spans nearly fifty years of François Arnal's work
  • Includes paintings from the 1950s, Tahiti period, Meeps series, and Élémentaires
  • Features previously unexhibited sculptures such as Couiller (1959) and Castor et Pollux (1960)
  • Highlights Arnal's Atelier A (1969–1975) and his material research
  • Catalogue includes text by Éric Mangion and Arnal's writings on the Meeps

Entities

Artists

  • François Arnal

Institutions

  • Villa Tamaris
  • Fort Napoléon
  • Atelier A

Locations

  • La Seyne-sur-Mer
  • France

Sources