Usually when we go to museums in Paris, the majority of artists represented are dead and gone. In fact, you could almost call prestigious museums like the Louvre - mausoleums, but Art en Capital is very much alive. Each year, well over a thousand living artists choose their best work to be viewed, critiqued, or ignored - and the French public responds enthusiastically.
On a rainy opening night, scores of invitation holders waited patiently in line but when you're with friends, the line (or the queue if you prefer) moves quickly. What's really exciting (for me) about Art en Capital is being able to meet up with our St. Aubin neighbors, particularly Gerard Daric and Nicole Camillieri. Gerard's painting is part of the Salon des Beaux Arts (he admitted that the first time he exhibited here was in 1952!) That's more than some of our lifetimes.
As for the experience of seeing thousands of contemporary works of art under one roof by both known and lesser known artists - it's mindboggling. Practically an assault. Gluttony. Of course, the saying is that on opening night, people don't normally get a chance to actually look at much art - some come to see and be seen, or set out their line of attack for future solo visits.
In addition to Gerard's painting, I especially liked the sculptural works using recycled products and the exhibit called L'Art Postal created actually not by one artist, but all those who mailed decorated envelopes to M. Proust. (A book has been published called Postal Art). The variety was as whimsical as a spring breeze (here at the outset of winter).
What I found less inspiring was the cacophony of color. In many cases, I sensed that artists substitute bright color for lack of imagination. But that was just an initial 'impression'. Not being a proper art critic, the opinion is based only on first impressions.
Once again, sorry for not including photos in this post. There WILL be photos soon (as soon as I dig out the right cord for uploading photos!) Visiting the Grand Palais at night is a real treat - it was designed for the Universal Exposition (constructed of the same materials as the Eiffel Tower in 1889)
Since its recent restoration, the Grand Palais houses temporary exhibits - Gerard tentioned in the past, even car show events were set up at the Grand Palais. Nowadays,
The temporary exhibits range from Warhol to Renoir, antique shows and contemporary art. Because the shows sometimes don't last that long, there can be long lines - the best place to get tickets is at the FNAC bookstores.
Often, the temporary shows stay open until 9 or 10 pm. I love visiting museums at night. That must be the result of wandering around Eastman House after closing hours. If you're in Paris, what better way to enjoy the city that staying outside all day and visiting museums at night? Most of the big museums like the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Quai Branly are open late for at least one night of the week.
Rochestergirl is delighted to see a post on such an auspicious day -- and agrees that museums are best seen by night - they have an entirely different atmosphere then, even when they are open, sort of a watchful waiting -- that you just don't experience during the day. Bon nuit!
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