Meet the First Ever Official Artist in Residence at Cannes Film Festival

Dan Llywelyn Hall was appointed the first ever official artist of the Cannes Film Festival Photo: David Azia via Associated Press

As Hollywood descends upon the French Riviera for the Cannes film festival an artist will be nestled between the movie stars and beaches, for the first time in the prestigious festival’s 68-year history ABC News reports.

The British painter Dan Llywelyn Hall has been appointed the first ever official artist in residence at Cannes. But what might the job description read like?

In an online video Hall explained, “I’ll be drawing and painting the sights and surrounds of the festival itself, and really exploring the phenomenon of what makes this very big festival such an attraction for so many people across the world.”

Dan Llywelyn Hall A Choice of Spectacle (2014) Photo: Cannes Film Festival

Dan Llywelyn Hall A Choice of Spectacle (2014)
Photo: Cannes Film Festival

Whilst Hall acknowledged that “the actors are the people everyone worships,” he insisted that the armies of photographers and journalists, amongst which he counts himself, “make them who they are.”

As the official artist in residence the 34-year-old painter has access to red carpet openings, exclusive parties, and the city’s luxury hotels. However, he’s also prepared to hit the pavement to capture that perfect moment, in watercolors.

“It’s very important to see it from every perspective. To a certain degree you have to be incognito. You can’t allow yourself to be too visible,” he said.

Dan Llywelyn Hall Three Phases of an Evening (2015)  Photo: Cannes Film Festival

Dan Llywelyn Hall Three Phases of an Evening (2015)
Photo: Cannes Film Festival

Hall’s paintings and drawings will be used by the festival and the BBC. In addition the artist he plans to show his works from Cannes in an exhibition in London and Paris next year.

The painter became the youngest artist to create an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth and also portrayed Prince William (see Portrait of Prince William Hits the Auction Block).


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