An art of his own

By Nashwa Abdel-Tawab

"Journalists put their point of view on paper, photographers say what they want through their pictures," said Gerard Larguier. "My work completes the whole idea of covering the World Cup from the point of view of France '98."

Larguier arrives early in the morning at the International Center for Media. He has his own colourful corner. He sits and reads the newspapers, then has a cup of coffee, then takes off on his own fantasy. With an over-sized pair of scissors, he randomly cuts out the stories he wants. He sticks them on a board, painting some parts and darkening or lightening others with spray. The final touch is his signature.

Michel Platini, co-president of the CFO, the cup's organising committee, had asked Larguier to produce three paintings before the start of the World Cup and then one painting a day throughout the competition, a total of 35 productions.

"Basically my paintings depend totally on how journalists and photographers write and see things," Larguier said, "but my point of view is overwhelming."

Larguier, 60, is a Parisian who looks like our own Bahgouri. His artistic career began in 1963 in Belgium's Galerie de la Madeleine. He has displayed his paintings in Switzerland, Paris, Spain, the US, Singapore and Italy. He works in all fields of art, but since he is interested in sports, it has become his speciality. "I like football, played it a while when I was young, watched matches, read the commentaries."

Ten years ago he was in charge of a contest for artists painting on the sidelines of the French football league, the results of which were displayed at a major exhibition. Larguier's first collage featured all of France's football stadiums, the sites they are located in, the country's landscape and a few players. The aim was to make a new map of France during the World Cup.

One of Larguier's works depicted newspapers from around the world, including Al-Ahram, with a ball and players painted alongside. His most impressive painting deals with the battle over FIFA's presidency. "It was a universal event," Larguier said. "Football is truly loved by all people, young and old, all over the world, but loved foremost by the presidents of the federations." Newly-appointed FIFA boss Sepp Blatter was featured in one painting, as were pictures of barefoot African footballers. In some areas red dominated, symbolising hooliganism in football.

At the end of the World Cup, Larguier's paintings will be exhibited. "I'd like people to know that sports should be played for sport's sake, just as art should be appreciated for art's sake. Enjoy it without the tension, pressure or hard feelings."

He ended the conversation with a smile, turned round, took up his brush and continued to paint.