10 Oct 2014
Le Corbusier’s “Cité Radieuse” (“The Radiant City”), in Marseille, is a place that has fascinated me for quite some time now. I have rarely seen a building that expresses such force and harmony (except perhaps the Taj Mahal, which, as I’m sure you would agree, has very little in common). I could have tried describing it to you, but nothing compares to seeing it in person.
The same could be said of the exhibition currently showing there… which is what I wanted to talk to you about today: “Défini, fini, infini – Travaux in situ” by Daniel Buren.
It inhabits the rooftop terrace of the “Cité Radieuse”, as curated by Ora Ito, for MaMo. Buren created seven monumental works, specifically designed for the singular setting. We find Buren’s trademark mirrors, lively colours, lines and geometry … And, of course, the way it all interacts with the site itself.
At every step, one’s perspective is constantly upset, the landscape becomes part of the works, as do the visitors. With all the mirrors, it is very tempting to find a good spot to take a few snapshots or selfies. I’m not the most talented for that, but, as you may have seen on Instagram, I did enjoy myself!
I’ve been to see this exhibition three times, and every single time, I was surprised. You see things differently, due to the shifting colour of the sky, the time of day, or the amount of visitors.
Given the success of the exhibition, it’s been extended until October 31. There is still time to go. And expect me to go back one last time before it’s really over…
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/100332346[/vimeo]
MAMO – Centre d’art de la Cité Radieuse
280 Boulevard Michelet -13008 Marseille
From Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 18pm- Until October 31.
09 May 2014
Kourtney Roy does quite a lot of work for fashion and advertising, but what I like best about his work are his self-portraits with staged scenes combining the familiar and the mysterious. The best definition I’ve read of his work is that they are films consisting of a single frame. Exactly what I like most in photography.
Her series « Ils pensent déjà que je suis folle » is currently being shown at BAL, and ends Sunday evening. If I were you, I would go and see it!
12 Feb 2014
“Les Journaliers” website is officially launched, as of today. I’d been looking for just the right words to present this project, but I don’t think I could describe it any better than they do:
“Les Journaliers” are interested in the way artists and designers work, from day to day… their doubts, the process, their inspiration. Writing, creating illustrations, taking photos, composing… Above and beyond inspiration, bringing creative projects to their final stages often requires isolation, perseverance and discipline. ‘Les Journaliers’ highlight the everyday aspects of this creative process as well as the professional dimension of these activities, aspects which we don’t hear about often enough. To take inspiration from others daily habits, selecting ideas and methods that speak to us, is to find the energy and motivation to keep doing what we do every day. To learn about how reputable professionals got where they are is to realize that there are as many artistic paths as there are individuals… and this may help us accept the fact that our own paths are often crooked, full of detours and dead-ends”.
Here it is…
I’m mentioning it here because I find the idea really good… though I’m forced to admit I’m proud to be part of this project myself, as ‘Les Journaliers’ chose me as one of their first ‘subjects’. We spent some time together in my workshop and the girls (Yes, ‘Les Journaliers’ are all girls) asked me a great number of questions, some of which I’d never even asked myself. The words and images are available in this interview, after which I will have (practically) no more secrets left for you.
Photo © Rodolphe Bricard for Les Journaliers.
