Anne Montaut, born in Paris in 1957, grew up in Narbonne and later in Bages from the age of five. Trained at the Beaux-Arts and the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, she turned toward photography outside institutional frameworks, developing a nonconformist and experimental style.
Favoring staging over the straightforward depiction of reality, she created works within a castelet, a miniature theater where she combined objects, materials, and light to delve into profound themes. Her Crucifix series, inspired by the Shroud, approached photography as a graphic art, while Couronne d’épines intertwined Mexican dolorism with snowy landscapes. In Angélus, she revisited Christian symbolism by merging antique plates with fish evoking biblical narratives.
Her work, marked by meticulous aesthetic research, established a subtle connection between faith and photography, reflecting a spiritual quest. Returning to Bages in the 1980s, she played a pivotal role in founding the Maison des Arts and served as municipal delegate for Culture (2001-2008). Until her passing in 2022, Anne Montaut remained a key artistic figure, embodying charisma, creativity, and commitment.
Anne Montaut
Photographe
Anne Montaut (1957-2022)
Born in Paris, Anne Montaut grew up in Bages, where she became deeply rooted artistically and culturally. Trained at the Beaux-Arts and the École des Arts Décoratifs, she gravitated towards photography outside traditional institutions, developing a nonconformist style blending sculpture, staging, and light. A photographer and visual artist, she created works rich in symbolism, such as the Crucifix, Couronne d’épines, and Angélus series, exploring themes of faith, pain, and spirituality.
A cornerstone of the Maison des Arts in Bages, she also served as municipal delegate for Culture from 2001 to 2008. Her work and commitment reflect a unique aesthetic and spiritual journey, making her an essential figure in both the local and broader artistic scenes.
