After dedicating nearly five decades to public service, Claude Vulpian, the former mayor of Saint-Martin-de-Crau, has returned to his artistic passion. The 88-year-old politician, who served continuously as an elected official from 1971 to 2020, will showcase his paintings in a special exhibition at the Centre de développement culturel from September 9 to 28.
Vulpian, who has lived multiple lives as a politician, arborist, agricultural union leader, artist-painter, and even journalist, initially had no intention of displaying his artwork publicly. "I was a correspondent for La Provence in Saint-Martin-de-Crau during the 1970s," reveals the octogenarian, whose paintings represent another of his lifelong passions. "For me, there was no question of having an exhibition. I paint for myself, for my family."
The turning point came when Jean-Louis Aubertin, director of the Cultural Development Center, proposed the exhibition as part of the town's centenary celebrations. This connection to his beloved community proved to be the decisive argument that convinced Vulpian to share his artistic work with the public. Throughout his extensive political career, he had set aside his artistic pursuits almost entirely, dedicating himself fully to public service.
"In fifty years, I painted only one canvas, and that was the coat of arms of the municipality that I offered to the German city with which Saint-Martin is twinned," Vulpian states, highlighting the extent of his sacrifice for public duty. The upcoming exhibition will feature approximately 65 canvases, showcasing a diverse range of subjects including portraits, landscapes, scenes from traditional festivals, and floral bouquets.
Despite his remarkable 49-year uninterrupted tenure as an elected official, Vulpian expresses concern about the country's future direction and regrets what he perceives as the irresponsibility of certain elected officials. His exhibition represents not just a return to personal artistic expression, but also an opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of dedication to his community and constituents in Saint-Martin-de-Crau.
