Monumenta is an annual art installation in the nave of the Grand Palais. An international artist is invited to fill the cavernous 13,500-meter space with a special project. Past artists were Anselm Kiefer, Richard Serra, and Anish Kapoor. The successful series attracts over 270,000 visitors during its six-week installation usually beginning in mid- May.
This year Monumenta has chosen French artist Daniel Buren, who is best-known in France for his black and white striped columns sculpture in the Palais Royal. Buren has created a kaleidoscope of riotous color by constructing giant circles of colored film on white metal stilts using happy hues of orange, blue, orange, green, and red. Although the concept looks simple, it translates into an intricate and multi-layered experience. I went on a sunny day and the circles exuded brilliant, cartoon-colored reflections on the cement floor contrasting with much more subtle sweeps of color in the areas where the light was not directly coming through.
As I was photographing the exhibit I noticed another man crouching down also taking photographs and it was interesting to see his figure turn different colors each time he stepped into a different circle. I walked up the sweeping staircase to get another perspective and the overview of the almost endless sea of colored circles spilling into the space was breathtaking. Looking closely, I captured the reflections of the glass and steel ceiling in the colored discs. In the center of the space were mirrored circles on the floor that you could stand on and I got some fun shots of people posing themselves on them.
The spectators looked to be happy and playful in the space and I think it could be an excellent exhibit for kids.
I am curious to see how the colors would reflect if I went to see the exhibit at night.
Daniel Buren Monumenta
Till June 21
Grand Palais
Ave. du General Eisenhower, 75008
Metro: Champs Elysees- Clemenceau
Open 10AM-7PM, Monday & Wednesday, 10AM to midnight Thursday to Sunday
Admission 5 euros
http://www.monumenta.com/en
In addition to my Eye Prefer Paris Tours, we now offer Eye Prefer New York Tours, 3-hour walking tours of New Yorkís best neighborhoods including Soho, Meatpacking/West Village & Tribeca. Tours cost $195 for up to 3 people and $65 for each additional person.Come take a bit of the Big Apple on an Eye Prefer New York Tour!
Come experience my blog ìliveî with my Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I lead. 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. www.eyepreferparistours.com
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.
amazing photos bravo RICHARD
Posted by: Karenn | May 16, 2012 at 05:04 PM
FABULOUS!!!!
Posted by: Phil | May 16, 2012 at 05:05 PM
Your pictures are gorgeous!! I love the way all the wonderful architectural details of the Grand Palais are reflected and in so many beautiful colors!
Posted by: Cheryl | May 17, 2012 at 06:14 AM