Provence Artists' Gardens

Over the centuries the outstanding beauty and distinction of Provence has attracted illustrious residents including many famous writers and artists. Today several contemporary artists have homes in Provence and many of them have applied their artistic sensibilities to the storied landscape to create exquisite gardens. Provence Artists' Gardens presents twenty-one resplendent gardens styled by the adept minds and hands of artists. Their gardens take many forms: Jean Claude Farhi and Bernar Venet have created sculpture parks filled with massive abstract works; sculptural silhouettes by Sacha Sosno converse with their surroundings finding their ideal setting in the verdant landscape; assemblages created by Arman seem to grow along with the palms and evergreens encircling his house; Dominique Lafourcade has designed a classic garden with rigid lines and geometric hedges. Specially commissioned photographs by Mario Ciampi capture the captivating atmosphere of each garden. Most of the gardens shown have not been published before. Text by art historian Julia Droste-Hennings traces the course of each artist’s career and explores the personal relationship each artist has with their outdoor creations. The gardens presented in this book will undoubtedly inspire amateur and professional gardeners alike.