Nomad roams no more

The Nomad: Interactive artwork

The monumental seated figure dominates the skyline, drawing visitors like a magnet. Metal letters representing thoughts make perfect footholds for the adventurous, who climb to its very top. People sit together on the natural seats the arms provide; the whole area, inside and out, invites exploration and perfectly frames the glorious view of the Mediterranean sea and old town.

Commissioning of the sculpture by Antibes Juan-les-Pins town council was the crowning touch to extensive renovation work carried out on Bastion Saint Jaume (formerly a boatyard), the ramparts and the Picasso Museum and its forecourt, to create a new ‘Promenade of the Arts’ between these two historic architectural sites.

Most locals and visitors to the town are seduced by the contemporary statue that sits looking out to sea like a giant figurehead. One local found it “mirage-like”, while an English holiday home owner marvelled: “It’s like Mona Lisa, always looking at you.”

The luminous sandstone of the recently renovated Picasso Museum and stark modernism of the grey-tiled area outside has also been greatly admired, described by one visitor as “like a movie set”, while the removal of car park spaces is very welcome.

However, the new look Promenade is not without its detractors. A Canadian resident of the ramparts said of Nomad: “I quite like him, but ‘not in my back yard’. I agree he’s art, but I don’t think I will ever be reconciled to seeing him on the ancient ramparts.”

The Picasso Museum? “Tidy and tastefully done but I will always miss the olive garden.” Love it or hate it, the new Promenade des Arts is a magnificent walk beside the sparkling Mediterranean sea.

After dark, the illuminated walls and arches are spectacular, with the reassuring presence of ‘Nomad’ shining like a beacon in the night.

JL