PICTURE OF THE MONTH
“MARIE REINE JEZEQUEL” portrait
Where in Brittany do you come from? I come from Lanhouarneau, a little village in the Finistère (29)
When did you arrive in New York? In 1987
What brought you to New York? A sense of becoming, self-realization. And also to be anonymous in a city where you are also part of it. New York City makes it easier. You don't grow roots in New York City, which is the opposite of Brittany and being a Breton. I like these opposites and find fulfillment in it.
What do you love about being in New York? The freedom
What do you do in New York? I am the founder and the President of New York Habitat. We provide furnished apartments and villas for rentals in New York City, Paris, The South of France and London.
What do you miss from Brittany? The family and human relationships
 
   
 
What objects from Brittany can we see at Marie Reine's place?
- A hart-shaped box covered with the flag of Brittany. The niece of Marie, Gwendoline who came to visit her in New York recently gave it to her.
- A cookie box
- The book "Fils de ploucs" of Jean Rohou: She felt that there are a lot of links between this book and her story. The people in the story like the two generations of farmers could be her parents and grandparents. On the cover the headgear chikolodenn worn by the woman is the same that her grandmother was wearing. Lanhouraneau is very near the village that the writer comes from. And the provocative title related to the "shame of being a Breton" reminded her what she and her family went through too.
  
- A lot of CDs with Celtic music: The music is the easiest and fastest link for her, reminding her of Brittany. On top of the CD pile, there is a recent CD of Irish music from the trio of musicians: Samuel Le Hénanff / Nicolas Quemener/ Pol Jézéquel (cousin of Marie Reine). Samuel Le Hénanff who first came to New York through the BZH New York association has offered the CD to Marie.
- A painting from the Breton artist Loïc Le Groumellec that he gave to her when he was staying in New York in 1999/2000 to paint for a while.
- The book "Bretons du Monde" with an interview about Marie Reine
- A poem of Geroges Perros from “Les poèmes bleus”
- Part of the chain watch of her grandfather. .

 

 

June 09 Picture:
PHILIPPE FALLAIT

July 09 Picture:
PIERRE BENJAMIN

August 09 Picture:
MARIE REINE JEZEQUEL