In a rare and odd occurrence, Chinese artist Ai WeiWei, is having his first retail art installation. Le Bon Marche has given him carte blanche with the windows and part of the first floor of the store. In recent years the highly political artist was detained, arrested and under surveillance in his homeland of China. Last July the Chinese government finally returned his passport so he is free to travel and currently lives in Berlin.
Er XI or Child's Play, is inspired by traditional Chinese fables Shan Hai Jing dating back from the fourth century.
Hanging from the ceilings in the main floor cosmetics department, in between the Chanel lip gloss and Lancome mascara are a series of 20 wonderful and whimsical sculptures, much like kites, which are from WeiWei's childhood memories. The sculptures including birds, dragons, and fish are made from silk, not the traditional fragile rice paper.
The ten window displays are a melange of the fairy tale figures along with a current story line and autobiographical roots. They are re creations of some of his most controversial works including “Surveilance Camera” (2006), “Brain Inflation” (2009) and “Study of Perspective” (1995-2011).
Er XI or Child's Play
Till February 20
Le Bon Marche
24 rue de Sevres, 75007
Metro: Sevres-Babylone
http://www.lebonmarche.com/evenements/ai-weiwei.html
Checkout my Photo Essay on Rue des Martyrs for Bonjour Paris
Click here to read
I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.
Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.
Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or
$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)
My offer of a 12-month subscription with an extra month free is good until January 31, so remember to order now before the offer ends.
Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store
Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
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 Charlotte's 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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
Comments