A committed Toulouse artist, Pavan is recognized in the world of contemporary art for his work as a plastic sculptor. Among the strong pieces with which he built his reputation are works on devastated territories. He has notably traveled to Lebanon several times.
A symbolic work of the crossing
For about ten years, a slightly crazy project had been running through his head. That of crossing a giant cube of 2,000 concrete blocks after having made a hole in its center using a simple hammer and chisel. A symbolic work that echoes the perilous crossing of migrants who cross the Mediterranean and then the Channel. But also more metaphorically the universal difficulty of getting moving to achieve one’s goal.
With the support of partners, including the town of Béthune and that of the Béthune gallery owner Pierre Garnier, Pavan was able to set up his project, the performance of which will come to fruition this Friday, on the eve of the European Heritage Days.
I’m angry. I’m bored as hell. They screwed up my project.” Pavan, plastic sculptor
But the concrete blocks delivered were not what Pavan had hoped for. Two thirds of them were supposed to be hollow. They are all full. With tears in his eyes after two hours of effort, Pavan laments: ” I’m angry. I’m bored as hell. They fucked up my project. “He gets up after a break, his face smeared with mortar and concrete dust, and sets off again. An electric chisel has replaced the hammer. Will he complete his challenge?
A short film by François Catonné
The process will perhaps be all the more beautiful with this suffering, these obstacles, more symbolic in any case. The public will soon be able to judge it thanks to the short film that François Catonné is directing live. The Parisian photographer and cameraman is filming this story that is being written. He will present his film as a preview in Béthune, before defending it in festivals. Let us hope that Pavan will open the road to success in cinemas for him through this “thwarted journey”.
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