Saturday, December 27, 2008

Buren under repair


If you went to Paris, you probably visited the Palais Royal and saw the Buren columns (I already showed them several times on PDP). These famous columns have always been controversial, of course (the art minister who ordered them was pretty provocative at that time and some found it outrageous that a modern art piece could be installed in the middle of a 17th century building) but they rapidly became part of the scenery... After 22 years though(they were installed in 1986) they needed some renewal. That is the reason why, at the moment, they are concealed behind these walls and can only be - partially - seen through color screens like the orange one you can see in this photo (enlarge it if you want to see the work in progress). To add a little flavor, I waited for a passer by before pulling the trigger.

22 comments:

  1. Must admit, I've always had a problem with the Buren columns -- just don't like them where they are. Oh well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your photo is great, Eric. I love the graphic nature of it, enhanced by the passerby. You have a way of being in the right place and making it yours!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm not a fan of the Buren columns either. To me they resemble rows of fancy hat boxes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Interesting photo; I'm glad you waited for this man to walk by to give the scale. I especially like the orange-hued portal into the building site. The b&w striped image is a nice homage to what's being worked on inside. I kinda like the Buren columns. I think it would be a great setting for black and white ball.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't deny that I like them, specially because I think they are fun, provocative and provide us with such great photos.
    I find it interesting how the striped columns follow the exact line of the Palais' columns.

    Can you tell us how long they will be under repair?

    ReplyDelete
  6. As far as I'm concerned, the columns can go to the nearest dump. I don't dislike them because they're modern, I dislike them because they're ugly.

    The Louvre's pyramids are also modern, but once you get over the shock of seeing something that big that wasn't there before, you also realize how beautiful they are. Not the case with the columns.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Black and white stripes remind me of referees (whom we so love here...BTW ours are known to deck athletes from time to time,lol) or prisoners. But IMO, these Buren columns fit right in with all the diverse art around Paris. Hey, cheers as we walk toward the new year!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ...stumble toward the new year...rush toward the new year??? lol Whatever the case, cheers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like the columns and I'm proud to say it! They're whimsical and fun. Has everyone seen the photo of Monsieur Benaut and Guille playing on them? You'll understand what I mean!

    When I saw your caption "Buren under repair" I wanted to scream out "Michael under repair!". I've just gotten back from a day of Outlet Mall shopping (yes, the day after Christmas) and really need a strong one. It was all worth it though with the Euro/Dollar exchange and the snow that kept everyone away.

    I haven't had a chance to check in, but the last few photos have been exceptionally excellent Eric. Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I also wanted to tell you that I gave two of your calendars away to the friends I'm staying with and they absolutely loved them. And I got the stamps I ordered from Zazzle for those belated cards I'm writing and they came out great! I saved you some so that you can see them.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I hope you didn't have to wait too long for a passer by as your subject's nose and ears look red from the cold!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your pedestrian looks vaguely like Sarkozy! I looove the composition of this.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Buren columns certainly are visually curious in the Palais Royal. As we read here, some people do, some don't. Like much art. I do not recall a Benaut/Guille photo. Sounds fun.

    Hope you all are still sane and well after Christmas. I confess I'm exhausted. Best wishes to all.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the picture, Eric. I'm of the "no" persuasion, though. I guess I'm a traditionalist. I don't like the Louvre's pyramid, either. Neither piece seems to belong where it is.

    There's a difference, though. The pyramid is an attractive structure. But I'm with Tomate on the Buren columns. (Although I adore the Benaut/Michael/Guille photo. Michael was in that photo, yes?)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the graphic quality of this shot, Eric (and your phrase "pulled the trigger" :-). The man in motion makes the shot for me. I have loved your images of these columns. The notion of PDPers playing among them appeals to me as well. I think US Elaine's observation that the man in motion looks a bit like your president is valid. This puts me in mind to ask if you have ever unintentionally caught a well known person in a street shot? This has happened to me several times now, others pointing out, "Oh, that's so-and-so, the famous someone; didn't you know it when you took the shot?" Well, no, but I do now. Well, anyone ending up in your photos gets their little bit of world fame on PDP!
    -Kim
    Seattle Daily Photo

    ReplyDelete
  16. Michael, I know what you mean. :)
    Petrea, no, it was Eric on the picture! It's a really nice one, anyway! :p

    Ahhhh the Buren debate...but I don't change my lind, I still love them. They bring something to le Palais, and I love the way people "use" them.
    I didn't go there for months thought (since the Benauts' visit), so I'll be glad to see the brand new columns!

    I'm heading to the airport, I'm leaving for Oslo. I wish you by advance a Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This really is splendid, especially because the orange square is in full view, and the figure is right on that edge. Fascinating.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like a lot the visual you made with that shot, Eric!
    But most of all, I love the word you incidentally make me learn today ;) Never heard of it before though it is actually a pretty common behavior! And I know at least one beautiful and alive refutation of that concerning you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Eric,
    I spent an afternoon at the Palais Royal by myself. I got some memorable photos there. I had hoped to photograph the Buren columns as well.. THe way they have partitioned then off is quite artistic and I got some nice photos through the windows. The eclectic quality of the columns has grown on me. I am maybe getting use to them? I will post them soon on my Paris photo blog. BTW, only the French would make their construction site so wonderful. Here? bare plywood I'm afraid.
    V

    ReplyDelete
  20. For me, this is a fascinating photo....and yes, I had to enlarge it to take a peek! I think the Buren columns are interesting and did not know they were under renovation. Très cool. How arsty fartsy to put up such a wall to protect the preservation efforts. Bravo Paris et Eric!

    ReplyDelete