|
Paris and its exhibitions 
Better beneath Parisian skiesWhat setting could be more beautiful for an exhibition than Paris itself, its monuments, its perspective, the constant buzz of its streets? These open-air exhibitions, often dramatic and cleverly staged, draw interested and enthusiastic crowds. In 1992, the famous Colombian artist Botero decorated the Champs-Elysées with his trademark voluptuous statues.
Along the same avenue, in 1996, the 'Les Champs de la Sculpture' exhibition displayed works by Rodin, Maillol, Bourdelle, Léger, Picasso, Giacometti and Niki de Saint-Phalle. Following this initial success, the formula was repeated in 1999, this time putting the spotlight on new and up-and-coming artists. Also in 1999, the idyllic setting of the Pont des Arts formed the backdrop for a retrospective of the work of Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow. Day after day, the bridge was invaded by thousands of passers-by, fascinated by these strange lifelike statues. The combination of Paris and art is quite simply a love story.
|
Paris has always been capable of exciting attention by its constant presence at the hub of what’s happening now. The reflected glory of its major exhibitions and its talent as a host are sufficient to draw crowds from all over the world. Natural successors to the World Fairs that placed Paris at the top of the tree, its modern-day exhibitions, on a great variety of subjects, are just as likely to be major popular successes. These days, all eyes are on Paris just at the mention of a painter’s name, the theme of a show, its originality, its setting. Every day, Paris offers a huge choice of some 100 exhibitions, where it goes without saying that quality and quantity go hand in hand.
The most spectacular and popular open-air exhibits are those concerning technological achievements, also set against the backdrop of the Champs-Elysées, one of the most magnetic places in Paris. In September 1998, 'Les Champs d’Aviation' looked back at 100 epic years of air travel with a collection of aeroplanes displayed all along the avenue, from Clément Ader’s first plane to the modern Rafale, as well as fighter planes from the two World Wars and even the cockpit of an A320 airbus. Quite a sight to be seen, this collection of 'flying machines', especially in such a striking, environment.
In May and June 2003, machines of a different kind took over the avenue, this time on rails. 'Train Capitale' brought together more than 30 trains to tell the story of the French railways, from the good old steam locomotive to the ultra-modern high-speed TGV.