Contemporary Art, Size XXL

Sir Anish Kapoor, superstar artist, was asked by the president of the Palace of Versailles to install six sculptures in the park.  Since yesterday (and until November 1, 2015) the public can enjoy the huge installations or be aghast and upset.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rooksanahossenally/2015/06/10/interview-anish-kapoor-talks-about-his-new-controversial-show-at-the-chateau-de-versailles-france/

Kapoor achieved his desired result. The public viewing his work are mystified and close to the "C-Curve" mirror sculpture are disoriented when everything they see is suddenly inverted and upside down.  The classic harmony of straight lines in both architecture and garden design is suddenly put in question.

Four Contemporary Art Galleries gave their financial assistance to this Herculean task of installations and the supply of extra security guards.  At the "Descension" which is a huge whirlpool eight meters deep and six meters wide, the guards need to pay extra attention. The loud rumbling sound and the vibration of the ground have a visceral impact which heightens the visual 'drawn in' effect in a disorienting way.  

Earthly Paradise

Tuscany - already the sound of it evokes the smell of jasmin and roses, lavender and thyme. Escaping the heat and hectic of Florence the calm and fresh breeze is as enjoyable as it was for the Florentines escaping the city in the 14th century from the dangers of the plague.

The constructed landscape with rows of tall and slender cypresses, silver-grey rows of olive trees,

orderly patterns of fields and orchards we know from the background in the Renaissance paintings.

Numerous bird's twitter in the early morning and then a nightinggale's song at night helps to achieve complete relaxation and peace.  Every day here becomes a memorable day.

Surprises In Florenz

   Escaping the heat in Florenz we ducked in to Santa Felicita church, just to the left after crossing the Ponte Vecchio.  And there it was to the right,

Jacobo da Pontormo's Deposition as we remembered from previous visits.  The colors still clear and vibrant and the poses of the grief stricken intriguing intertwined human figures. A masterpiece in the manneristic style which Pontormo (1494-1556) became known for.  A "Deposition" without any wooden cross, ladders or landscape but just giving the message of grief of a cruel death.....

Further down in the church behind the altar there was some disturbing noise pulling us out of any sentimental thoughts.

The reality of cleaning off the dust and dirt, always close here in this over 600 years town filled with masterpieces..

Beloved Kiosks

Difficult to picture Paris streets without a newspaper kiosk somewhere close by.  They have been around for 150 years and now it is hard to imagine being without them.  Alas, change is here with the emergence of the internet.  Too easy to just have a subscription online to read the newspapers and magazines on the iPad or smartphone.  Yes, not the same, but.....  Suddenly we realize that kiosks sell postcards, souvenirs, toothpaste or are just closed.  City Hall says that there are still 350 left, but if we do not change our habits  the day will come when there are no kiosks anymore.

Just last month a new idea took form and it may be a solution to keep the kiosks alive.  There are no papers sold, but services which otherwise a doorman may provide are available.  From walking the dog, watering the flowers, buying medicine, keeping the keys, changing lightbulbs etc etc they offer to be helpful for ca five dollars per 20 minute service. http://www.luludansmarue.org

One kiosk of this kind already exists and many more are planned.  

Now it is up to the public to use it or .... to lose it.