Last Day of July!

Stockholm -  After the heatwave in France we feel happy to be in cool Sweden.  The days go fast filled with excursions or relaxing inside when the sky is grey and rain is coming on and off.

Rain or shine,  July 26 was celebrated because it is 'Bellmans dagen' in honor of Carl Michael Bellman (1740-1795) a much loved and admired Swedish poet, composer and songwriter. Already during his life time he was well known in Stockholm with numerous friends who admired him.

On July 26, 1829 a memorial bust was erected in his honor in Djurgarden which is the large park close to Stockholm.  His widow and the King was then present and since then, July 26 - when nature is at its best and the large oak trees offer shade against the sun...... when shining..... this day is still "Bellman's day".

July 2015 was so cold and rainy that the wreath of flowers will keep fresh for a long time.

                                                                
                                         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Michael_Bellman

The Other Centre Pompidou

2010 a 'branch' of the Centre Pompidou Paris opened in Metz.  They have changing  exhibition of modern art with works on loan from Paris.  Now after five years we at last made the trip. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit  'Leiris & Co.' http://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/leiris-co-picasso-masson-mir-giacometti-lam-bacon  This show introduced us with nearly 350 works of art - somewhat overwhelming - to this French intellectual and his illustrious circle of friends.

In the spacious foyer of the museum was the installation by artist/composer Celeste Boursier-Mougenot called 'Clinamen'. In a round blue pool different sized porcelain bowls floated on the surface. Put in constant motion by a small jet they produced a visual and audible enjoyment to young and old visitors.

You may have seen his installation 'From here to ear' in the Peabody Essex in the Spring of 2014,

and his name, somewhat difficult, is worth to remember:  Celeste Boursier-Mougenot.

Morning Escape

The record high temperatures in France are hard to manage.  This country is not ready to meet the heat with massive air conditioners in stores and restaurants like in the US.  The last days we have become masters in the technique of cross ventilation.  Paris churches have become popular, cinema theaters are visited without regard to what film is showing and every park is filled with people looking for shade.

Today I escaped to Versailles and drove early at 7 am when the gates opened at the St. Anthony entrance. What bliss to enjoy the cool morning breeze walking under trees in a still deserted park.
I did not mind the group of runners passing, they disappeared quickly.  Walking slow and enjoying the smell of the Linden trees, after a while I met the runners again.  Are they firemen keeping fit or cadetts from the military school in St. Cyr nearby?  Next time I will dare to stop them and ask.

http://bienvenue.chateauversailles.fr/en/park/walks

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.