The Anish Kapoor installation at the Grand Palais is a cross between the world's largest eggplant and workout ball.
The massive, dark purple, seamed sculpture first appears like it is made of dark, rich wood or resin. I wondered how they got something so large in the space until I realized upon closer inspection it was an inflatable structure made of PVC. I later found out the sculpture was sewn on giant industrial sewing machines installed in the Grand Palais.
I hate to be a spoiler but I have told you the proverbial punch-line to the visual story: Before you get to the eggplant/workout ball you enter inside the structure via small revolving doors. Once inside you feel like you're in an exclusive party at an all red/pink fantasy world sans the drinks. The hue of the red/pinkish glow is mesmerizing and you get caught up in being in the womb-like space intimately shared with strangers who have a child-like glee on their faces.
Every year for the last four years, the Grand Palais has invited or better yet, challenged an artist to create an installation and past artists have included Richard Serra, Anselm Kiefer, and Christian Boltanski. I think Anish Kapoor has been one of the most successful in terms of meeting the challenge of filling the space. He really gets the scale and scope of the structure of the Grand Palais and the scale of the sculpture enhances it. He is also smart in not filling the entire space and giving it distance on both sides so one can get a clearer perspective standing away from it. The mint green iron against the dark purple is quite striking and the shadows the sun creates through the glass and iron slats of the roof upon the sculpture give it texture.
The Grand Palais is hosting lectures and talks in conjunction with the exhibit, including a conversation between Anish Kapoor and architect Jean Nouvel, and music and performances.
Click here for more info.
Anish Kapoor- Leviathan
Till June 23
Grand Palais
Ave Winston Churchill, 8th arr
Metro: Champs Elysées- Clemenceau
Open Wednesday to Monday, Monday & Wed. 10-7, Thursday to Sunday till 12AM
http://www.monumenta.com/en/2011/accueil
Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 17 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my courtyards, doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotteís professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Quite fascinating! I especially like your photos. They give a wonderful perspective.
Posted by: robert | May 20, 2011 at 06:12 PM
Good photos!
Posted by: anne | May 20, 2011 at 06:13 PM