Paintings from Corsica: Cultural treasure, natural treasure
With artist Mara Gahagan

The Alliance Française of San Francisco will be exhibiting paintings and drawings of Corsica by Mara Gahagan, from the first to the thirty-first of July, 2011.

The artist traveled to Corsica in September 2010 to direct a painting workshop, and stayed through October, traveling across the island. The dramatic natural beauty and intricate cultural history inspired a series of paintings.

Most of the paintings in this collection are watercolor, which captures the luminous quality of Mediterranean light. "The Journal of a Landscape Painter in Corsica� published in 1870, referred to this legendary light; the quality of the timeless and universal found in the work of Mara Gahagan.

“Parts of the world like this are like a living fable, or a mystery to me. I wanted to establish that intimate connection between the artist and the journey.� - Mara Gahagan

On this journey, the artist became interested in initiatives for ecological and cultural tourism. In recent years, Corsican airports have had sharp increases in traffic, also bringing pollution, cultural erosion and rampant construction. In contemporary depiction of one of the natural and cultural treasures of the world, images such as pristine beaches and cultural antiquities became important subjects that the artist continues to explore. Selected original artwork will be for sale, and several limited editions will be offered.

RDV le 14 juillet pour un vernissage et une soirée avec Mara!

Come join us for a reception on July 14th with Mara!