The internationally renowned sculptor Michel Bassompierre will present his largest exhibition in the town of Vertou, in Loire-Atlantique, this Saturday, November 16. In partnership with the WWF and sponsored by François Cluzet, the artist installs his animal sculptures in France after having offered his works in Paris, Monaco, New York and Marrakech.
Nature and art, a winning combo. The sculptor Michel Bassompierre will exhibit no fewer than 17 of his works in the town of Vertou (Loire-Atlantique) starting this Saturday, November 16. “Animal Elegance” will be a journey through the heart of the town, with multiple animals scattered throughout the streets.
An artist who has been attached to the small town for almost forty years thanks to René Robin, also a sculptor. The two men have forged very strong bonds between work and respect. The two creators shared numerous techniques, which inspired Michel Bassompierre to create his first enameled sculptures.
Animals in editorial line
A nature lover, the septuagenarian has been passionate about nature since childhood. He says: “I was 14 or 15 years old when I felt that the animal world was mine.” Brown bears, gorillas, polar bears, but also penguins, the works of Michel Bassompierre are masterful and grandiose.
Since the end of the 1970s, the artist has been sculpting animal works, often in a round shape. The animals mainly reproduced are bears and gorillas, but he has also embarked on the representation of other animals thanks to collaborations with the Beauval Zoo or the Baccarat crystal factory.
His largest sculpture, “The Larch”, rises to more than six meters high. Already exhibited at the Opéra Garnier in 2022, it will stand in the Parc de la Sèvre. His other immense work, “The Emperor”, will be exhibited for the second time after its first presentation in Monaco last summer.
Renowned partners
After several decades of sculpture, Michel Bassompierre has built a name for himself internationally. Thanks to exhibitions around the world and the commitments of the town of Vertou, the WWF wanted to become a partner of this exhibition. Its president, Isabelle Autissier, will speak at a conference next February in the town.
A keen admirer of animal sculpture, actor François Cluzet, sponsor of this edition, spoke about the sculptor's work: “I have a passion for animal sculpture and when I had the chance to attend the birth of a gorilla from the hands of Master de Bassompierre, I fell in love with it.”
The exhibition will be held from November 12 to February 15, 2025 in the town of Vertou (Loire-Atlantique).
