Mural painter and performance artist Virginie Sarpaux, known by her artistic name Mulhen Baccia, has transformed the mezzanine of Bayonne's L'Atalante cinema with her exhibition "Dancing the Walls," running through September 30. The colorful paintings and textiles on display represent an inner journey for the former professional volleyball player turned committed artist.
Throughout the streets of Bayonne and along the Basque-Landes coast, Mulhen Baccia's vibrant and multicolored monumental frescoes have become an integral part of the landscape. Her artwork can be found on old buildings, sections of dikes, school facades, market walls, and even in ice cream shop windows. These cheerful installations have transformed ordinary urban spaces into canvases of artistic expression.
Born in Alsace, this mural painter and performance artist describes herself as a sensitive artist and environmental activist who explores "the intimate relationship" between the body, gesture, and her canvases. Her work reflects a deep connection between physical movement and artistic creation, drawing from her background as a professional athlete.
The current exhibition at L'Atalante cinema showcases a carefully curated selection of approximately twenty works, including paintings, customized bags, and decorated sweatshirts. These pieces demonstrate the artist's versatility and her ability to bring her distinctive style to various mediums, from traditional canvas work to wearable art and functional items.
