This is a review of the current Arborealist exhibition showing in France. I am not showing in this particular exhibition as I have only just joined  the group but  will be exhibiting in their future shows.

The exhibition “Les arbres de la Vienne” by Les Arboréalistes, until July 31 at the Dortoir des
Moines (Dormitory of the Monks) in Saint-Benoît, is simply sublime. More than a group, the
Arboralists movement was born in 2013 in the United Kingdom, led by Tim Craven, one of the
exhibiting artists, Chief Curator of the Southampton Gallery in England.
The aim of the movement is not only to paint trees, but also biodiversity, their representation and
preservation. ” Cut a tree and it reveals all its history, its scars, its fights and its sufferings. The
trees irrigate our history, ” says Philippa Beale. This English artist who has lived in Vaux-En-Couhé
for many years, has organized the exhibition. Composed of 51 artists with international media
coverage, the Arborealists are predominantly British. The movement also includes a few French
and an Italian. 23 of them are participating in this exhibition. Each artist has his own approach, his
interests, his technique, his supports and his style. Painters, sculptors, engravers, watercolors …
including two British royal academicians and artists present in the English national collections.
After several events in the United-Kingdom, the Arborealists have chosen to present their work in
France, here in Saint-Benoît, for the first time. “In the fall of 2016, they spent a few days in the
Vienne in search of French landscapes and trees as a source of inspiration, ” explains Beale. This
exhibition is the fruit of their work. The trees are immortalized and sublimated, in their visual
requirement, in exceptional pallets, sometimes unexpected.
“Les arbres de la Vienne” until Monday, July 31 at the Dortoir des Moines of the Abbey of Saint-
Benoît, 11 rue Paul Gauvin. Free entry. From 9h to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 18h (on Wednesdays
from 9h to 12h30), on Sundays 9th and 30th July from 13h30 to 18h. Private view open to all,
Friday July 7 at 5:30 pm. Presence of artists every day. philippa.beale@orange.fr,
www.arborealists.c

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