Contemporary Art Centrer
A Historic Monument in Dialogue with Contemporary Art
In 1989, the Municipality of Trizay acquired the abbey buildings, which had long been used as a farm, together with the ruined church. The aim was to preserve this remarkable Romanesque heritage and restore it for future generations.
After nearly fifteen years of restoration, the site regained its original splendour, revealing the architectural richness and history of this exceptional 11th–12th century monument. Since the completion of the restoration in 2004, the abbey has become a centre for contemporary art, creating a unique dialogue between medieval architecture and modern artistic expression.
A Meeting Place Between Romanesque Heritage and Contemporary Creation
From the outset, the abbey’s cultural project was built around the idea that a historic monument should remain a living place, open to creativity and artistic experimentation.
The restoration itself became part of this vision. In 2004, artist Richard Texier, together with master glassmaker Gilles Rousvoal, created a series of contemporary stained-glass windows for the main apse of the church. In 2012, the side chapels were enhanced with luminous new windows by Father Kim En Joong.
Today, temporary exhibitions are presented throughout the season in the former monks’ dormitory—offering nearly 250 square metres of gallery space—as well as in the church and the refectory. Painting, sculpture, engraving, photography and installation art all find their place within the abbey’s remarkable architectural setting.
Over the years, the abbey has welcomed many renowned artists, including Gérard Titus-Carmel, Philippe Guédon, Frédéric Benrath and Hassan Massoudy.
A Cultural Hub for the Saintonge Region
The Trizay Contemporary Art Centre plays an active role in the cultural life of the Saintonge region.
Working in partnership with the Pays de Saintonge Romane, the abbey hosts artworks produced as part of the Résonances programme, welcomes artists during the installation of exhibitions, and provides a place where creators, audiences and cultural organisations can meet and exchange ideas.
The abbey is therefore much more than an exhibition venue: it is a place for artistic creation, dialogue and cultural innovation, where contemporary art continually renews the visitor’s experience of this thousand-year-old monument.
Contemporary Stained Glass
The Windows of Richard Texier
Created in 2004 as part of the restoration programme, the stained-glass windows by Richard Texier transform the main apse into a luminous cosmic landscape.
Inspired by astronomy, lunar calendars and celestial maps, Texier developed an abstract visual language in which signs, colours and natural pigments evoke humanity’s relationship with the universe. His work creates a striking dialogue between the Romanesque architecture and a contemporary vision of space and time.
The Windows of Father Kim En Joong
In 2012, the side chapels received a new series of stained-glass windows by Father Kim En Joong, one of the world’s leading contemporary stained-glass artists.
Unlike traditional stained glass, these works are created without lead divisions separating the coloured glass. The flowing composition allows light to move freely through the architecture, creating an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation.
Dominated by shades of blue—the colour of the sky, light and spirituality—the windows invite visitors to experience the abbey as a place of reflection as well as discovery. Father Kim En Joong’s work can also be found in numerous cathedrals and churches across Europe.
Contemporary Sculpture
The dialogue between heritage and contemporary art extends beyond the buildings themselves.
Visitors can discover permanent sculptures installed throughout the site, including La Source by Georges Charpentier and Equi-libre, the striking rearing horse created by André Bémant. These works establish a visual conversation between the abbey’s Romanesque stonework and contemporary artistic forms, enriching the experience of the site throughout the year.
œuvre du sculpteur André Bemant
œuvre du sculpteur Georges Charpentier
Le centre d’art contemporain de Trizay reçoit le soutien financier du Conseil Régional de la Nouvelle-Aquitaine et du Département de la Charente-Maritime
