An art exhibition featuring the works of Michel Marant, known as "the painter of colors," opened on Thursday, September 25, at the Halle aux Grains in Saint-Junien. The opening ceremony was attended by local officials Yoann Balestrat and Laure Mura, with only a few days remaining for the public to view this remarkable collection.

The exhibition is being hosted by the Society of Old Stones (Société des Vieilles Pierres), an organization that typically focuses on heritage and local history rather than art exhibitions. Frank Bernard, a municipal councilor and president of the society, explained their decision to break from tradition: "Organizing such exhibitions is not really part of our association's traditional activities. We are more focused on heritage and local history, but Michel Marant is a recent discovery, a favorite you might say."

Born in Saint-Junien in 1945, Marant studied at the School of Decorative Arts in Limoges before pursuing a career as a decorative painter in department stores. Despite his commercial background, his artistic talents have gained recognition far beyond his hometown. According to Bernard, Marant deserves to join the ranks of local artistic heritage alongside Jean Teillet and Jacques Blény, who notably encouraged Marant's early work and whom he coincidentally succeeds on the walls of the Halle aux Grains.

Bernard believes that Marant's work merits recognition in his native city, especially given the acclaim he has already received well beyond the region and even internationally. The artist has won numerous awards, particularly in Italy, showcasing his talent on the global stage.

Bernard describes Marant's paintings as resembling cathedral stained glass windows, characterized by their intense, luminous colors and the way colored spaces are outlined by a network of black contours, similar to the lead framework that holds pieces of glass in a stained glass window. The bold colors, stylized forms, and clean lines all work together to express serenity in his artwork.

Marant's work presents viewers with a peaceful nature scene, a landscape where human impact appears light and harmonious. Working in series and consistently blending geometric forms with rolling landscapes, giant jugs, and houses viewed from below, Marant reveals himself to be a humanist at heart. His artistic vision creates a sense of tranquility and balance between the natural world and human presence.