A look at the Colonnes de Buren
Categories : Visit Paris, published on : 1/15/20
Although this unusual art installation situated in the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal was once the source of some controversy, the Colonnes de Buren now appear to be integrated perfectly into their location. Why not check out this intriguing work during your stay at the Chess Hotel?
The Colonnes de Buren, a.k.a the Deux Plateaux
In 1985, the French artist Daniel Buren was commissioned to create a work that would occupy the beautiful space of the Cour d'Honneur (inner courtyard) of the Palais Royal. Steeped in history, this palace and former personal residence of Cardinal Richelieu is a masterpiece of classical architecture that today serves as the seat of the Council of State and the Ministry of Culture, among other official bodies. Buren transformed the existing car park into a space with which people could interact. The work, officially called the Deux Plateaux, is a conceptual grid marked by black and white striped columns of various heights that create a set of dynamic perspectives.
A link between antiquity and modernity
Although the overall effect is urban and modern, the Colonnes de Buren are also a tribute to ancient art as the shape of the columns is reminiscent of classical architecture. They are made of white Carrara marble and black and white marble from the Pyrenees. This material has been used by the greatest sculptors from Michelangelo to Rodin. The arrangement of each of the installation’s elements was carefully calculated to create both dynamic perspectives and rhythmic correspondences. Visitors can interpret the work on several levels.
Your Chess Hotel recommends a visit to the Palais Royal to discover the Colonnes de Buren. Beneath its apparent simplicity, this multifaceted work conceals treasures and secrets for you to discover during your wanderings...
******
More information :
- Domaine national du palais Royal
The Chess Hotel, a 4-star arty boutique hotel étoiles at the heart of Quartier Opéra
