Showing posts with label Versailles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Versailles. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Creative Mind: Joana Vasconcelos

cre*a*tiv*i*ty: the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations 


On June 19, 2012, the Château de Versailles will host an exhibit by the first female and youngest contemporary artist to do so on its historical grounds- Joana Vasconcelos. As you can see already, Joana is the embodiment of creativity.

Versailles has hosted contemporary artwork exhibits since 2008. This year, the Paris born, Lisbon resident will take her unusual creations and display them throughout the palace. The Marilyn shoes will be staged in the Hall of Mirrors.

Marilyn, 2011  
A pair of nearly 3m tall, high-heeled shoes made from stainless steel cooking pans.
 
One of Joana's earliest, well-known works is the chandelier, A Noiva (the bride), displayed in 2005 for the Venice Biennale.

A Noiva (the bride), 2001

The chandelier was made out of 25,000 OB tampons (with no applicator) 

This filigree teapot, standing 5 meters high, is now on display at Waddesdon Manor for its outdoor exhibition of contemporary sculpture by leading artists of our time, Sculpture in the Gardens, held from May 26-October 28, 2012. It was conceived as a tribute to the history of Portugal's role in bringing tea from the far East into Europe and the country's part in developing that trade over the subsequent centuries.

“Pavillon de Thé”


Photos below record the installation of the fantastical teapot at the Manor. 




 "Mr. Wine", 2010

At Versailles,  among other things, Ms. Vasconcelos will explore the role of women's achievements, beginning with Marie Antoinette and Perruque, 2012, a large-scale wig placed in the former queen’s state apartment. Guards, 2005, featuring two marble lions enveloped in intricate crochet, will be situated in the Queen’s guard room.

We look forward to seeing all that she has up her sleeve at
  JOANA VASCONCELOS VERSAILLES!

 P.S. 6-16-12 Here are the high-heeled shoes, Marilyn, 2011 in Versailles:


Cool or what?

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Putti Appreciation

Admittedly, the holiday season is the one time of the year that I can share my appreciation for putti without looking too cutesy. 
And so, this being December first and the start of my holiday decorating, I would like to share with you the putti from our travels. 
I don't seem to see many here in my home town, but we readily see them in Europe.

Putti at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

 Putti at the Vatican in Rome

A putto somewhere in Florence

A putto at Versailles (gilded, of course)

 French putti

A putto in an interesting pose in Rouen

A putto on the floor of the Cathedral of Siena, Italy

 A putto at Versailles

 Companion putti in Versailles

Putti at the Petit Trianon of Versailles

Are you a putti appreciator?

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Only in Paris...



Well, to be more specific, only in Versailles!


Honestly, I would love these gilded ornaments in my home.


Wouldn't you?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Marie Antoinette's Private Bath

Marie Antoinette's wardrobe must be a designer's dream to re-create... and Belgian designer, Isabelle de Borchgrave, received that very chance. Marie Antoinette's private bath, located in the small apartment that was built in 1782 on the ground floor of Versailles, just completed renovations taking it back to the original designs.
 
Yesterday marked the opening of "La pièce des bains de Marie-Antoinette" at Versailles, where Isabelle de Borchgrave's exquisite paper creations have been installed on a permanent basis. Isabelle de Borchgrave portayed three different female characters, the Queen and two assistants, basing her designs on portraits and historical documents. 





Isabelle de Borchgrave's resume is très impressive. You can visit her website here. Her Facebook page can keep you in the loop here. Her San Francisco exhibition, held earlier this year, can be seen here.

Isabelle's new atelier



The gorgeous moldings in the bath 

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