1. GALLERY- In Situ Fabienne Leclerc
EXHIBITION- Damien Deroubaix - Homo Bvlla
This gallery space was large and airy and allowed for plenty of space to see the work clearly. The artist's most recent work explores the medium of glass which he blows into shape before drawing into it's surface. The word 'draw' is probably not completely fitting to explain his image creation as he etches into the glass through cutting, grating and scraping it. His aim is to breath form and life into such a fragile material. The other works displayed were installations, paintings and etchings. Many had strong mythological and historical references namely the Danse Macabre (Dance of the dead). Though using particularly sombre imagery, I felt the work was not overtly morbid and pessimistic but rather had a mysterious, calming and almost dreamlike quality to it.
2. GALLERY- Galerie Janos
EXHIBITION- Série Noire- Loredana Rancatore, Laetitia Schlesser-Gamelin, Kohei Matsushita.
This was one of many group exhibitions currently on in the area. Timothy told us that this time of year, with Christmas approach group exhibitions are extremely popular within the more commercial galleries. He also told us that this exhibition was not at all what he was expecting and had he seen it previously he wouldn't have bothered bringing us here. The work was definitely not his cup of tea, he found it exceptionally boring and uninspiring. While trying to question him later about why this was he was unclear how to explain his feelings. I get the impression he is more into political art. Art which isn't necessarily of any aesthetic greatness but with a strong message, such as that awful Float last week. I myself found the work in this exhibition exquisite in craftmanship and care as well as being visually appealing. You didn't wonder what an earth you were looking at but instead studied the beauty of the objects presented. Maybe this is 'too easy'. Perhaps the purpose of contemporary art is to be more complex, more controversial and more confusing. I don't know.
Anyway back to the black exhibition-
These panels of carefully placed thin segments of slate were refined and elegant. Suggesting movement, almost like a gust of wind which had swirled and shaped them, I found them very organic and natural looking.
Another artist had arranged a large wall hanging composed of squares of wood. What was interesting was that the wood was coloured by being burned at different temperatures to achieve different tones.
We passed by another gallery, it's exhibition unopen until saturday which had an unusual courtyard installation- a roof formed form old bits of found wood e.g. disused kitchen cupboards etc. It gave a real otherwordly atmosphere like entering some sort of mystical location.
3. GALLERY- Perimeter Art & Design
EXHIBITION- Aldo Bakker
This gallery specifically exhibits design work as opposed to artwork. Timothy asked us whether placing functional, design objects within a gallery environment made us think differently about them. I suppose it is quite an unusual concept as it is almost like entering a smart shop as oppose to a gallery and I believe that functional objects are things one needs to touch and feel. You certainly do not feel allowed or encouraged to do this within a gallery environment which makes the design objects feel a bit unaccessible and hard to relate to.
I'm definitely not convinced by the design gallery concept. I would prefer to see art within a gallery. This concept almost offers an excuse to make the objects seem more exclusive and therefore more expensive.
2,000 euros for a chair anyone?
4.GALLERY-Galerie Vallois
EXHIBITION- Expositions Hors les Murs 2011 & Jeff Mills- Josephine Baker: Something Else
This group exhibition was what I would stereotypically imagine as a contemporary art exhibition. With no explanation, you left feeling overwhelmed, confused and with a head full of questions. Contemporary art is more often than not about the concept, the meaning, the process during which a final outcome is achieved. Often, the final outcome is the least important thing. That's the impression I get anyway. Especially with that horrendous Float from last week that I keep referring back to. It was almost as though the artist had spend so long researching theories and philosophies that he realized he only had a week left to actually create something visually. I wouldn't call myself particularly old fashioned or a traditionalist but it really does strike me that many artists these days see themselves more as prophets sent to educate the masses. Their role is not to create something admirable for us to simply appreciate and comment. So when faced with a group exhibition packed full of these 'final outcomes', one is bound to be left feeling baffled in the least.
Being a colour fiend I was particularly inspired by the photographs of melted car lights. I'm not entirely sure of the meaning or messages behind the images but perhaps it is related to the French (and in particular Alsacien) tradition of burning cars on New Year's Eve.
5. GALLERY- Galerie alain le gaillard
EXHIBITION- Les Masques - Théodore Brauner
On the top floor of this rather poky gallery where unidentifiable images of what one could only call splodges. No explanation or text to be seen and horrendous lighting, we quickly moved to the basement. We were greeted by many black and white photos capture tubes, wires and other nondescript objects as faces or masks. Timothy was horrified at the work! He found it ridiculously old fashioned, dated and a total disgrace for it to be shown in a contemporary gallery. It did however bring a smile to myself and remind me of my art foundation days when for one short project we were to search for the letters of the alphabet in the environment. I think it's interesting to look for symbols and images where you least expect them.
And to finish..... a well deserved chocolat chaud à l'ancienne and a heated debate over the evenings visits with the group. What better way to spend a Wednesday evening in Paris!
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