The Absurd and the Dreamlike: La Citadelle Villefranche-sur-Mer

The Absurd and the Dreamlike is a contemporary art exhibition opening at the historic Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer from June 19 to October 31, 2026. The project brings together Belgian artist Arne Quinze and Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos in a collaborative exploration of surrealism, poetry, and transformation. Inspired by the dreamlike spirit of Jean Cocteau, the exhibition combines monumental outdoor sculptures, immersive installations, paintings, video, and sound works to blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Curated by Selcan Atilgan and co-curated by Camille Frasca, Director of La Citadelle, with British curator Clare Lilley as collaborator, the exhibition transforms the citadel into an immersive artistic environment where contemporary art, history, and nature intersect.