Dynamo 2013: A Century of Light and Movement in Art at Le Grand Palais

Leave it to the French to come up with outrageous ways to create exhibitions in the timeless settings that exist throughout the city.  This latest at the Grand Palais is right up there with one of the best.

Dynamo 2013: A Century of Light and Movement in Art 1913 - 2013,  looks at taking the concepts of movement, light, absence and presence,  and applying them to a space, specifically, the interior and exterior of the Grand Palais.  The building, a magnificent example of Beaux Arts architecture built for the 1900 World's Fair, has been treated to abstract art installations from the last century to illustrate the exhibition's themes.  How does light and movement alter one's perceptions of a space?

Well, see for yourself.

What looks like circles superimposed on my photo are actually lights or lasers of some sort illuminating the columns on the exterior of the building. 

The same "faceted" illusion repeated in the inside. 

The fountains filled with smoke...illustrating the "absence and presence" changing from moment to moment. 

LOVED the exhibit.  You might end up scratching your head on some of what you see.  I know I did.  And I wasn't alone.  But, it is certainly worth checking out if you will be in Paris from now until July 22nd.  

Let me know what you think. 

H

DYNAMO. Grand Palais. Paris. May 2013. from Svetlana Tsikoza on Vimeo.

More Information:  The Grand Palais:  Dynamo 2013

Chagall: Between War and Peace

Chagall, l'exposition by Rmn-Grand_Palais

 "Chagall: Between War and Peace" is on view at the Musée du Luxembourg through July 21st.

I had the opportunity to see it over the weekend and was surprised by some of his works.  The pieces that come to my mind are those that are colorful, almost cartoonish or childlike, soft and loving.  The surprise for me were his darker works.  Influenced by both world wars, the Russian Revolution and living the life of an exiled Jew in the US, the weight of profound loss cast their shadows on his spirit and ensuing work.

The video is in French but I think does a great job showing the exhibition.  They didn't leave much out so you are practically right there!

Here's a link to notes about the exhibition in English so you can follow along.  Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and take a tour in one of the more intimate museums in the city of Paris.

H

A Little Roland Garros at Hôtel de Ville

Roland Garros s'invite sur le parvis de l'Hôtel... by mairiedeparis

Roland Garros taking the city by storm.

The Art of Eating

As promised, I have put together my list of what I consider the best "museum" eateries here in Paris.  All worth a visit if you happen to be in need of a break while taking in the overwhelming amount of beauty this city has at its disposal. 

The least spectacular but certainly the most quintessentially old world French would be the Tea Room at the Musée de la Vie Romantique.  Found in the seldom visited 9th arrondissement, it is worth the trek to get here.  The hôtel particular was originally owned by Ary Scheffer, a prominent artist in the 1830's.  Here he would host Friday evening "salons" inviting the likes of George Sand, Frederic Chopin and artists Delacroix and Ingres.  Not bad dinner company.

Today the museum showcases mementos belonging to George Sand, along with paintings done by various artists of the period.  This tea room, actually more of a solarium, serves light meals, and sweet treats in a lovely garden setting.  It easily transports the visitor back in time.  

Going through the Musée d'Orsay is one of my most favorite things to do.  I never tire of their collection and now having gone through a renovation last year, it is more intimate, giving new life to its masterpieces.  

While the museum is home to two cafés, it's this one on the mezzanine level that I love taking visitors to.  The splendor that surrounds you is worth sitting for a cup of coffee.  The food isn't the best but the wine list makes up for that.  And the service, contrary to what one expects in France has always been friendly and welcoming. 

Musée Jacquemart-André, I think, is underrated as far as destinations in Paris go.  The romantic story behind its history is worth discovering.  This collection is a miniature version of the Louvre...the  collectors,  Edouard André and his wife, Nelié Jacquemart, travelled around the world to bring back works of art through the ages.  The museum is housed in their home, a Haussmanian mansion which is as significant as the art it holds.  

The home's magnificent dining room has been transformed into one the most beautiful tea rooms in Paris.  So much so, that Parisians choose to meet here for lunch or brunch on the weekends.  Not your typical tourist destination.  I would of course recommend going through the entire space but if time doesn't allow, this café is worth a visit.  

  

Next post, three more suggestions ... and I'm limiting myself!!  There is no end to the places one needs to visit here.  

H

  

Master Pieces: Art and Culinary Fusion

Frank Restaurant at the AGO in Toronto

Terzo Piano in the Modern Wing at The Art Institute of Chicago

Le Georges at Centre Georges Pompidou

Nerua at the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

I love a lot of things but two things high on my list .... great museums and eating.  

Or maybe eating and great museums.  Doesn't matter the order I suppose.  Both are wonderful and for me, both are vital.

In today's art world it is becoming the norm that the best museums are home to some amazingly creative fine dining.  World class chefs are being wooed by world class museums to create their own culinary "masterpieces".   Enjoying works of art from the grand masters and being able to take a break over an artfully prepared meal and glass of wine enhances the whole experience.  These restaurants are becoming destinations in their own right whether one enters the museum or not.

Departures Magazine just came out with an article showcasing what they consider to be the top 10 museum restaurants in the world.  The ones featured here are those that I've been lucky enough to eat at.  And I highly recommend each one.  Frank's in Toronto and Nerua in Balbao would share top honors in my book.  Le Georges can't be beat for the view.

Here's a link to the article and next week I'll share some of my personal favorites found right here in Paris.

Good weekend everyone
H

Cuba In Color: Part 2

Cuba In Color

My heritage is Cuban.  I was born here in the states but my parents fled Havana when everyone was fleeing.  Left behind their life, all of it really, to start over here in the U.S.  Even though I was raised here, I think in and speak Spanish within my family.  Often times, Spanish comes easier for me than English.  Or at least, concepts appear to me in Spanish and I work to find the word in English instead of vice versa.

Back in 2011, I was lucky enough to visit the country for the first time.   Not what I expected.  Or maybe it was but just not prepared.   The dusty, decaying remains of former grandeur were evident everywhere we went.  In spite of all this, the faces that greeted us were beautiful, curious and friendly.

I'll post some of those shots next time.

H

Musée d'Orsay vs Musée du Louvre

 The iconic clock at Musée d'Orsay

A hidden stairway in the Louvre

Two of my favorite photos of my favorite places to get lost in for an afternoon.  No matter how many times I visit the Orsay or the Louvre,  I always walk away having discovered something new. 

Which museum to you prefer?  

Here in Paris, everyone has a pretty strong opinion one way or the other and could argue about it for hours. 

Welcome to France!

H

Design Inspirations

Gaudi's Casa Batiló in Barcelona

Tjep's Recession Chair at Ventura Lambrate 

Appointment Board at Warby Parker in New York

I've been on the road traveling to be with family.  Not necessarily glamorous travel, but the best kind of travel.  Downtime in numerous airports had me on Pinterest or following news feeds and websites that I like to visit.  These are a few of my favorites.

Casa Batiló, designed by Antonia Gaudi, was initially a private residence for textile industrialist, Josep Batiló.  Located in Barcelona, it took over two years to build and has become an iconic symbol for the city. Today, it's a museum and public space available for events.  Having visited it on one of my trips to this city, it is as spectacular as it looks.  Certainly worth some time if you happen to be headed that way.

Tiep, a collaborative design studio in Amsterdam, whose mission is to "add energy and optimism to the world",  presented the chair that you see at the recent Ventura Lambrate design show.  The show held every April in Milan, showcases what the industry considers to be the best and most creative design for the upcoming year.  This chair, reminding me of a Giacometti sculpture does just that.  And, you just have to love a company with such an inspiring underlying philosophy.

Warby Parker is changing the way we "see" things when it comes to eye wear.  I love their revolutionary spirit of creating boutique-style eye wear for a fraction of the cost. Their flagship store in Soho is where you can find this great appointment board letting everyone know who's up next to see the doctor.  Very 60's Mad Men I think.  Frames start at about $95 and all have a sleek retro vibe to them.  A company with a conscience, they've partnered with non-profits around the world ensuring that for every pair of Warby Parker glasses sold, a pair is donated to those in need.  Nice.

Finally, this video fascinated me to the point of having to watch it several times to take it all in.  Micro art...I don't know how anyone has the patience for this.  Or the eyes (enter Warby Parker!) but it is something special.  I think a hand-painted watch face would be a spectacular gift.

Wishing everyone a good week.
H

Le Louvre: All By Oneself

Path of Beauty from Florent Igla on Vimeo.

This NEVER happens.

Having the Louvre entirely to oneself is certainly a "dream" come true.
For those of you who have never been, watching this gave me goosebumps as it is so moving ... from walking through the inner courtyard at the Pyramid to climbing the stairs with the "Winged Victory" waiting at the top.  This video, actually, no video can capture its true magnificence.

I hope all you dreamers wanting to see it get that chance in your lifetime.

Wonderful weekend.

H

Willy Rizzo and Chanel

Willy Rizzo, a transplanted Italian, came to Paris in the 30's, discovered a passion for photography and created a career for himself that took him from taking portraits of friends and family to photographing the most famous people and events of our time.

Working during the golden age of photojournalism, he worked with the likes of Bridget Bardot, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.  He was the last person to photograph Marilyn Monroe just two weeks before her death.  During his time at France Dimanche and Paris Match, he was the one covering the Cannes Film Festival, giving him access to all of Hollywood.

His small gallery in the 7th arrondissement is a revolving door of expositions centered on his famous photographs.  Most recently was this exhibit focused around Coco Chanel.  Candid shots of all the behind the scene activity in her salon on Rue Cambon, as well as, photos of her in the Tuilleries gardens and her apartment were part of the retrospective.  It was an intimate look into a golden era that unfortunately, no longer exists.

If you get the chance, be sure to put his gallery on your to-do list.

H

Red Ball Project: Paris

 Tight Squeeze

 The Steps at Canel Saint Martin

Canel St. Martin 

 Near Notre Dame

Trying to catch it at the Eiffel Tower

Along the Seine

Hotel de Ville

The weather has finally become springlike here in Paris.  Running errands and being out and about under sunshine has been a welcome reprieve from the grey ceiling of clouds and rain that can take over this city more often than you'd think.  Perfect timing for this interesting art installation that has taken the city by storm.  The Red Ball Project sent residents and tourists alike on a chase throughout the city to find out where this giant red rubber ball might end up next.  

The brainchild of artist Kurt Pershke, the project is meant to be an interactive experience that takes the individual from observer to participant.  People living in the cities on the world tour map have been able to make suggestions as to where the ball should be positioned throughout their town.  The project then becomes one of "collective imagination". According to the artist, 

"The larger arc of the project is how each city responds to the invitation and, over time, what the developing story reveals about our individual and cultural imagination"

I followed it to a few of its installations here in Paris and at each location, people were completely engaged in participating by touching it, taking photos or just generating a party-like atmosphere.

It leaves Paris this Sunday after being displayed in the Luxembourg gardens ... that should be fun.  If you are in town, certainly try to catch it.  Here's some additional information to find out if it's coming to a city near you.

H


Project BoulerRouge from Kurt Perschke on Vimeo.

Versailles and Dom Perignon

Visiting Versailles is, without a doubt, a mind-boggling, jaw dropping experience.  The absolute, over-the-top grandness of it all is overwhelming.  Even for the French.  As you go through the maze of rooms you overhear comments that leave the most ardent fan of the Republic amazed by their country's splendid history and patrimoine.  Crystal chandeliers, mirrors, frescoed ceilings, the ornate gardens...it has to be seen to be believed.  And quite honestly, a visit to Paris is not really a visit to Paris without at least a portion of a day spent here.

Getting invited to private events that take you into parts of the palace the public has no access to is even more spectacular.  I've been to a few (it happens more often than you would think) and each one has been memorable.  Unfortunately, my invitation to the one in this video must have gotten lost in the mail!

Versailles, Dom Perignon,  a performance by Lang Lang .... this had to be one magical night.
Let's watch and just say that we were there.

H

India: Wildlife at Baghvan

Magnificent 

One of my goals during this most recent trip to India was to see a tiger.  Sounds like a crazy goal I know, but I am fascinated by these creatures.  Powerful and elegant, fearsome and beautiful, they speak to me for some reason.  I've been fortunate enough to have gone on several safaris in my life so far, all spectacular, but none put me face to face with a tiger.  When I planned this last trip, I made sure to include the chance to spot one.

Pench National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife and endangered species that can roam the acreage at the foot of the Satpura range.  A number of streams flow through this teak and bamboo forest  that create the backdrop for not only the tiger you see above (yes, I finally saw one) but antelope, leopards, jungle cats and striped hyenas.  It's also respite for over 200 species of birds, some of which you saw here.

Breakfast with our guides before heading out into the "wild"

 It really is this lush and teeming with wildlife.

For two nights I called this part of the world my home.  Staying at the Baghvan Pench Jungle Lodge was really the highlight of the trip.  Set at the outskirts of park, guests are treated to some pretty spectacular amenities at the end of their day.  My choice of where to sleep was an enclosed room but the lodge can provide covered platforms for indulgent nights sleeping under the stars.  Quite the way to do a sleep out I'd say.  

The Lobby

Dining area 

Oh, and to give you a true sense of how magical this place is, the tiger reserve was inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's, "The Jungle Book".   I think I need to check back in with Mowgli and his adventures.  His story will have a whole different meaning.

H

India: Color and Inspiration

As I mentioned in my last post,  sound,  aroma,  and color are all magnified in India making life in the cities frenetic. Occasionally, overwhelming until you get your bearings.  Same thing can be said for the wildlife.  

The colors in nature here are more saturated.  Richer, as if they've been carefully tended to become the best and most beautiful they could possibly be.  Indigenous flora and fauna become magical when a visitor looks at it for the first time.  To be surrounded by all of this natural abundance for a few days was a gift.  

I look for inspiration all around me, whether I'm home in Paris or visiting new places for the first time.  

For example, these pictures offer color combinations that would work in a variety of projects.  Upload them into a color generator and you'll get a palette to work with for fabric or paint choices.  Or, I could frame this series of photos to hang on a wall.  Everything is possible.  

Just depends on how open our eyes are. 

Enjoy your weekend. 

H