Monumenta is an almost yearly exhibition at the Grand Palais, where a noted artist is invited to fill the vast, commanding 44,000 square foot space with an art installation. Former artists include Anselm Kiefer-2007, Richard Serra -2008, Christian Boltanski-2010, Anish Kapor-2011, and Daniel Buren-2012.
Russian born artists Ilya & Emilia Kabakov were chosen this year to execute their vision.
I was not familiar with the artists work, so I had no idea what I would be seeing, as the press beforehand had given scant information about the installation.
The Strange City is a creation of a utopian and mysterious city inspired by Renaissance, Romanticism, and modern science.
The first thing you see when you walk in is a structure much like a huge fan, which constantly changes colors, giving a hypnotic effect.
A maze of white plaster walls contains seven rooms: The Entrance to the City, The Empty Museum, Manas, The Centre of Cosmic Energy, How to Meet an Angel, The Gates, The White Chapel, and the Dark Chapel.
Having seen all the past Monumenta shows, I liked the fact that that the artists took almost an opposite approach to the space than past artists, who filled the space with oversized and/or expansive pieces, while the Kabakov’s created a series of dark, almost theater like intimate spaces.
A few of the spaces display intensely detailed wooden miniatures of utopian buildings in the center and surrounding walls have architectural drawings.
The last two rooms feature classic style paintings, one with paintings referring to churches and the other with huge canvases presenting stereotypical images of Russia’s history and past struggles.
A most unusual and creative exhibit.
Monumenta 2014: The Strange City- Ilya & Emilia Kabakov
Till June 22
Grand Palais
Ave. Winston Churchill, 75008
Metro: Champs Elysees-Clemenceau
Monday, Wednesday, & Sunday 10AM-7PM
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 10AM-midnight
http://www.grandpalais.fr/en/event/monumenta-2014-ilya-emilia-kabakov
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: 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,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. 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 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 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
