This activity was supervised by Zélie Boulestreau, artist based in Ossau valley, who produced papier mache works. From Tuesday to Friday, she hosted artistic workshops to develop a fresco all around the kiosk. The activity has cut in several times, the first being to find the theme of the work. “I liked the world of Gaves which is what crosses the city and also what connects us to the mountain, here in Orthez,” explains the artist.
A guided tour of the exhibition “Je Bergère, you Bergères …”, visible at the art center, and an observation of the Gave were also planned so that everyone develops their imagination on the theme.
Unique material
Once the inspiration was found, the first step to make the fresco was to make the raw material, the papier mache. “For that, you have to recover paper or cardboard, quite simply. We try to use especially materials already used and recycled, such as cardboard shirts or egg boxes. Then mix it with the water and then mix the mixture to obtain a paste, ”explains Zélie.
The first step is to work on the material which will be used to design the work.
Rémi Laxague
The material, once obtained in the desired color (depending on the paper used), can then be applied to a support. Here, Zélie has chosen to use old used doors as a support, to continue using recycled materials. “The papier mache shapes dumplings that can be placed on the support. The technique is to tap the material to fix it. She will then dry and she will remain perfectly stable on the “frame” that we have chosen. »»
The artist Zélie Boulestreau explains that the paper pulp should be applied with precision.
Rémi Laxague
Animals and plants
This material served in Zélie and people interested in activity, coming throughout the week, to make patterns: animals (frog, otter, fish, birds), plants, natural sets. “What is good with this material is that it makes it possible to make several layers, which are overlapping. These are bas-reliefs that we can come to work constantly. »»
The fresco presents itself as a bas-relief.
Rémi Laxague
The week of workshops ended with a friendly moment under the kiosk with music, drinks and appetizers. The fresco will remain on the kiosk during its natural degradation since light, heat or people can participate in damaging it. Not thought to be permanent, it will only remain in place a certain time. Those who would like to see it must therefore soon.