The block that follows the rhythm of the tides is only fully unveiled once a month, and on that day, around 4 p.m., the work reached its maximum visibility, revealing more than a third of its surface to visitors posted on the dike.
The block, decorated with bas-relief made by Anne-Laure Boyer, has been moored along the dike of Saint-Jean-de-Luz Bay since May 13. On the occasion of the European Heritage Days and for its inauguration, more than 300 people were present to admire the former marine voto or Bakea (Peace in Basque). This submerged creation, whose implementation has been sustained since 2021 As part of the Cultural Summer, various aesthetics are combined: sculpture for the realization of bas-relief and traditional Basque songs, all of which have been the subject of several multidisciplinary workshops.
An immediate experiencersive
Throughout the inauguration, the 300 participants discovered the ex-voto through various activities. Fourteen of them had the privilege of discovering the work in an original way, equipped with oxygen cylinders and fins. Among them were young people and their families for whom scuba diving was a first. Traditional music, reworked by composer Paula Olaz, has also been diffused at the bottom of the water guaranteeing a total immersion in the universe of the ex-voto.
On the mainland, the songs were heard during the many activities on offer, including visits to Fort Socoa, open to the public for the first time in 12 years. The block that follows the rhythm of the tides is only fully unveiled once a month, and on that day, around 4 p.m., the work reached its maximum visibility, revealing more than a third of its surface to visitors posted on the dike. At the end of the day, after travelling through the shipyards, visitors were able to board Bettelekus (traditional boats) in order to enjoy one last time musical compositions via hydrophone helmets.
The work in all its states
The two versions of this inauguration, which have enriched both the mystery and the realism of the composition, bear witness to its duality which is appreciated differently on the surface and under the seas. The presentation of the design stages and the bas-relief sketches exhibited inside the fort indicated Anne-Laure Boyer’s intentions and progress before leading to a reproduction of the block visible to all. The traditional songs broadcast on the surface were able to testify to the power of the Altxa Socoa choir, which did not leave the audience insensitive to so much emotion.
Anne Laure Boyer’s project is supported by the COOP art factory in Bidart. This work is also supported by the Departmental Council of the Atlantic Pyrenees (64) through the Art in the public space.
Partager la page