Sojourn in Paris #7

Paris 2025 - 59 Rivoli

There are, of course, numerous art galleries and museums in Paris but, with limited time, we decided to give them a miss. We did, though, find this space - 59 Rivoli - which was formerly a bank and then lay derelict for 15 years. Artists took it over as a squat in 1999, exhibiting art and hosting parties. It was legalised in 2006 (because the city authorities found it was the third most visited centre for contemporary art in the city). Now the six storey building gives studio and exhibition space to thirty artists and attracts over 70,000 visitors a year, who can view the art, see the artists at work and chat to them about their vision.

The spiral stair at its centre was wildly decorated, with a different theme on each floor. The gallery was packed with visitors, so that I did find it a bit claustrophobic and, with so much to see in tight spaces, it all felt quite overwhelming. 

We both agreed that we didn't like much of what was on show. Some modern art these days seems to delight in being jarring, fragmented, 'angry', shocking and a protest, regardless of the skill used to create it. There was little 'beauty' to be found in a cursory look, though I did find just a few pieces that I quite liked. I decided I prefer to be confronted with fewer sensory inputs if I'm to enjoy exploring an art gallery! It was, however, quite photogenic in its way, and full of odd things in corners. 

The paintings above and below were two that I picked out as being more to my taste. The top one is a social commentary with more than a little truth in it. The one below seemed like a competent portrait and I found it quite engaging. 

This geometric piece would have fitted quite happily into my colour scheme at home!