I have always been a big fan of Sonia Delaunay but have only seen bits and pieces of her work in various exhibitions, never a full-blown retrospective. Sonia Delaunay- Les Couleurs de l’Abstraction, is the first major retrospective of Delaunay’s work since 1967, with over 400 pieces including paintings, wall decorations, gouaches, prints, fashion items and textiles. Naturally I was eager and excited to see it.
Delaunay was a master Abstract painter who brilliantly used bold color and sharp architectural forms throughout her career spanning seven decades. The first painting at the entrance, a massive masterpiece of classic Delaunay’s stunning mix of colors and geometry set the tone. The beginning of the show had early figurative paintings and even though I was impatient to get to the abstracts, I could already see her strong abstract form in these beautiful paintings.
One of the other things I admired about Delaunay was she was a multi-disciplinary artist, designing costumes and sets for the ballet and theater, textiles, and clothing and accessories. One room contained a collection of her textiles and clothing, and many of the textile prints, which looked totally as relevant and modern today as they were over 80 years ago. It also featured the story about how she opened a design atelier in 1924 with Jacques Heim at 19 Blvd. Malesherbes, designing couture clothing for private clients and celebrities including Gloria Swanson. Delaunay and artist husband Robert, who’s career overshadowed hers at the time, were commissioned to create works for various design expositions and the Worlds Fairs, including two pavilions for the 1937 Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne.
Delaunay’s work struck a deep cord with me, as I have been moving towards the abstract in my photos recently. I will now have her brilliant colors and forms fresh in mind to inspire me as I go out and take my photos.
A must-see show.
Till February 25, 2015
Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
11 Avenue du Président Wilson
75116
Open 10AM-6PM, Tuesday-Sunday , Thursday till 10PM
http://www.mam.paris.fr/en
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
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
