Rocabella explores the poetic dimension of the Mediterranean

In Le Pradet, the Rocabella artists' residency exhibited the creations of 60 artists on the marine theme from May 1st to 3rd. For six months, from November 2025 to April 2026, the elegant Belle Époque residence of Rocabella was transformed into a bustling creative laboratory. Around sixty artists from the fields of ceramics, comics, music, documentary film, and photography were welcomed there to develop works around a common theme: "Les Gardiennes de la mer". Thus, the estate exceptionally opened its doors to the public for a free exhibition showcasing the richness of these months of experimentation.

FACING THE MEDITERRANEAN

Initiated in 2024, the Rocabella Residency program has taken on a new dimension this season, asserting itself as an ambitious cultural project. The objective is to "lay the foundations of a place destined to join, through its high standards and freedom, the tradition of great European residencies where art, thought, and territory dialogue," explain the organizers. Coming from France and abroad, the artists were able to explore various disciplines such as ceramic sculpture, comics, documentary film, music, and photography, in a setting of experimentation and exchange facing the Mediterranean. "When I acquired it in 2019, I wanted to perpetuate this double friendly and artistic vocation," confides Jean-Baptiste Rudelle, co-founder of Criteo. The entrepreneur anchors this project in a broader philanthropic approach, led by his foundation "Blue", committed to the protection of marine ecosystems, ecological transition, and women's empowerment. The ambition is to make this place, built in 1898 by the architect Hans-Georg Tersling, a leading artistic hub, reconnecting with its history.

"For about fifty years, between the end of the 19th century and the Second World War, Rocabella was an artistic and literary holiday resort," recalled Jean-Baptiste Rudelle. By offering a privileged working environment facing the Mediterranean, the residency aims to join "the tradition of great European residencies where art, thought, and territory dialogue." The experience gained during the first residencies led to lengthening the duration of the stays. "We understood in particular that artistic residencies, to have a real impact, require a long time," highlights the founder. "This immersion helped foster exchanges between the artists and the emergence of profound projects. We received incredible testimonies from residents who told us how much the few weeks spent here had changed their perspective on many things and impacted their career," he adds.

BETWEEN MYTH AND URGENCY

After a first edition on the theme "Bord de terre, bord de mer", the residency continues its exploration of the links between art and the environment. This season's theme, "Les Gardiennes de la mer", draws its inspiration from Greek mythology, where the Nereids and Oceanids personified a sea that was both nurturing and fearsome. This myth is transposed to the contemporary era, where the sea has become a vulnerable space. Today's guardians are no longer deities, but scientists, divers, activists, fisherwomen, or artists who work for the preservation of the marine world.