Artist Isaac De Honoret Mystery at the Heart of New Art Lourmarin

Victor Tamer visited the Luberon Valley to attend a contemporary art festival. He went to the New Art Lourmarin (Festival New Art) to see the work of a fiercely private artist who stands out against Provence’s traditional tranquillity. This art exhibition is one of many reasons to visit Lourmarin. Below is Victor’s article about seeing artist Isaac de Honoret’s work at New Art Lourmarin.

Photo credit ©Victor Tamer

Contemporary Art in Provence

The light of the beautiful blue region of Provence continues to inspire and attract artists to charming, traditional villages in the Luberon, including the remarkable, peaceful village of Lourmarin, which has become a major cultural centre, attracting both tourists and artists.

Numerous galleries, open to different forms of art, are based there and host French and international artists who stay and, in some cases, settle.

On 3 and 4 October 2026, the 5th edition of the New Art Lourmarin Art Fair hosted works by various artists, particularly some creations by the rather mysterious Isaac de Honoret, who had previously attracted attention with an exhibition at One Monte-Carlo in Monaco in June 2026.

Photo credit ©Victor Tamer

Isaac de Honoret’s Art

He exhibited six works from three different collections there, including, for the first time, the piece entitled Synapse from his new collection Les Convergences.

These artworks cannot be put into words or explained directly; they are felt in different ways depending on who looks at them. Some consider these works sculptural paintings, others three-dimensional works, or even kinetic art; they defy labels, and their making is not described. What matters is not the material considerations, but, above all, the deeply personal inspiration behind the works and how each viewer’s perception conveys it differently.

Their appearance is never static; it is complex and constantly shifts in response to the ever-changing play of light and shadow; as the viewer moves, they seem to alter each painting themselves.

Synapse by Issac de Honoret – Photo credit ©Victor Tamer

Little is known about the artist Isaac de Honoret, except that he is French and originally from Provence; whether we know any biographical details, or even whether the artist is a woman or a man, matters little. The artist deliberately has his works seen and appreciated for themselves, separate from their creator, so his everyday identity doesn’t influence their interpretation. The artist states that he is interested above all in what people truly feel.

While other contemporary artists have used anonymity, Banksy’s name often comes up when discussing De Honoret; few artists appear masked. Although the painter says he does not wish his “real” identity to influence how his artworks are interpreted, one might wonder whether the mask is, after all, part of his work.

To discover his hidden world, there are a few clues, such as his website: isaacdehonoret.com

Practical Information

New Art Lourmarin (Festival New Art)
Website: https://festivalnewart.com/
This art exhibition, featuring 30+ artists, takes place over a weekend in early October.

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Why Visit Lourmarin?

Lourmarin is an enchanting medieval village surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, orchards, and lavender fields. With cobblestone streets and well-preserved Renaissance architecture, it is recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages, France’s most beautiful villages. Close to Aix-en-Provence and less than an hour from the TGV, Lourmarin is a popular weekend destination.

The village has long attracted creative types. The Lourmarin cemetery is the final resting place of two literary giants, Albert Camus and Henri Bosco, both of whom found inspiration in this idyllic village.

What can you do in Lourmarin?

The 16th-century Château de Lourmarin, Provence’s oldest Renaissance castle, is worth visiting. It was designated as a historic site in 1973. Over the years, ownership changed hands many times, but in 1920 business tycoon Robert Laurent-Vibert purchased it. When he died in 1925, he left the castle to the Académie des sciences, agriculture, arts et belles-lettres d’Aix-en-Provence, which established the non-profit foundation that currently runs the castle. It’s worth visiting the castle to see the fascinating, eclectic furniture and treasures Robert Laurent-Vibert collected.

Photo credit ©Victor Tamer

The Friday morning market is very popular with many stalls featuring creations by local artisans. The town hosts many exhibitions and events, including the indie-rock Festival Yeah! (June) and the Festival New Art (September or October). While you’re in the area, consider visiting local vineyards and enjoying the beautiful restaurants and cafés.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Full day Wine Tour with the sommelier-guide and 3 winery visits

Discover one of the most famous red wine-producing areas of France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with this wine tour! You will start the day with the discovery of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its history.

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