However,
But who this artist forgotten:
Reneferhis real name Raymond Fontanet, is deeply linked to the city of Andrésy (Yvelines), where his family lived. Furthermore, Very young, he manifests an attraction for drawing and painting, inspired by the landscapes of the Seine valley. Meanwhile, Studying architecture and fine arts in Paris, it is nonetheless attached to its Andresian roots.
From childhood, he regularly stays with his uncle’s house, Alfred Chaudouetartisan painter installed on rue de l’Eglise in Andrésy.
An art school … For example, in Conflans – But who this artist forgotten
This family setting and the charm of the places nourish its artistic imagination. Meanwhile, He tirelessly draws the city. Furthermore, its fields, its edges but who this artist forgotten of Seinecapturing the changing water reflections at the confluence of theOise and the river.
In 1942he chooses to settle there permanently, in a house overlooking the Seine, Avenue Maurice-Berteaux.
In 1946carried by a desire for artistic sharing. Renefer founds with several painters the academy of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, school of popular artistic education. “Their ambition was to make art accessible to all”explain Gabrielle ThierryPresident of the Renefer association.
Installed at Priory Castlethe Academy multiplies initiatives: exhibitions of painting, sculpture, engraving or decorative arts, literary and musical competitions …
The goal is to develop the artistic sensitivity of the public and to support young talents.
In 1947this cultural dynamic pushed by Renefer. leads to the creation of a museum, supported by the municipality: the Conflans School Museum. This place will become in 1966 The but who this artist forgotten Basellerie. Navigable Museum Museumperpetuating the spirit of artistic education and the promotion of local heritage.
To revive Renefer’s work. his gaze on the Confluentthe association which bears its name imagined, in partnership with the City, an artistic journey outdoors.
In the artist’s footsteps
Long de 2,1 kmthis journey invites a rediscovery of the landscapes that the artist loved so much. Nine reproductions of works -Inks. watercolors and oils on canvas-mark out the route, divided between the Seine quays and the alleys of Old Conflans.
Each table was installed in the very place where Renefer put his easel. for a faithful immersion in his steps.
The visitor can thus compare the current point of view with the view that the painter was. about the landscape several decades ago. “The objective is to publicize this artist and to transmit his memory”underlines Gabrielle Thierry. A walk between history, art and nature, at the crossroads of waters and emotions.
Evan Margerin
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Further reading: From Paris to Sydney, Jamal Gzem puts human stories in pictures – In Douarnenez, the artist Yseult Allais exhibits his works to the spider, all summer – Why are babies so ugly in the paintings of the Middle Ages? – Stéphane Javier, the Bastiian painter who wanted to paint the light – Hello Ketty. The offbeat images of the week in the goal of our photographer.
