Friday, August 24, 2012

Colonnes de Buren - une étude en noir et blanc



Les Deux Plateaux

more commonly known as Colonnes de Buren
(Buren Columns)

Since their installation in 1986 in the Coeur d'Honneur of the Palais Royal, they have been a source of controversy.  Made of steel, concrete, marble, stone, and aluminum their presence invites playful children of all ages... and photographers.  The angles and points of view are limitless, with or without a human subject.

When the lines begin to run together,
then it is time for rest, play and a good weekend.


 

Les Deux Plateaux
Buren Columns, La Coeur d'Honneur
Palais-Royal
75001, Paris

25 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Ah, I suspect that I know who one of those playful children is!! And it does look as though she had a great time!! Hope you've had a good week and that you have a lovely weekend, Genie!

Hugs
Sylvia

Randy said...

Very cool.

Rob Siemann said...

I was living in Paris when they put them up, and I remember it was meant to be a temporary exhibition... Never really liked them.

Vreni said...

When I saw them for the first time (in 1986) I didn´t like them, but in the meantime I got used to them and I kind of like them, they are really a good photo subject.

Merisi said...

Interesting public art!

cath said...

Magnifiques ces colonnes de BUREN, très belle photo!
bonne journée Genie

Pet said...

I believe that it is always nice to have an opportunity to play. So I am for it!

PeterParis said...

Thanks for the link to the "red coat"! :-)

Shell Sherree said...

Whenever I see these, I get a craving for mint humbugs! This is a lovely capture, Genie.

This is Belgium said...

I think the read coat picture shows which side of the controversy the player is on !
delightful
anni

Cezar and Léia said...

wonderful picture indeed!
Have a nice weekend!
Léia

Shane Pollard said...

I love everything about Paris - well almost, but not this....
Avante garde just isn't me!!!

Just give me the macarons in your previous post, dear Genie - Perfect!!

Enjoy your weekend darling
xox
Shane

Virginia said...

And what's below is a fascination for many as well!
V

Kristie said...

I love this! I can just imagine kids playing in and around these poles. :)

Have a wonderful weekend Genie!

'Tsuki said...

Mais c'est encore debout, ce truc ?! C'est une des sculptures les plus dangereuse au monde : beaucoup de gens se prennent les pieds dans les colonnes les plus basses, et la ville ne compte plus les procès à ce sujet...

Photos by Stan said...

I am not surprised that this site attracts photogs -- what fun it must have been lining up shots.

orvokki said...

wauu.. your camera has been in a good place. :)
Hugs.

Maria said...

Must be nice for children to play there, nice picture, also 'the lady in red',
nice weekend

Pat said...

I don't like these, but you managed to make them look good!

James said...

Nice shot! They seemed so out of place when I first saw them now they seem like they belong there.

Alexa said...

I'm still on the fence about these, but they do make for a good photo op—as you've just proven twice! Bon weekend, Genie!

Joe said...

A very striking art installation. Looks like the Mad Hatter should appear any moment.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Having never seen this historical courtyard without the art installation, my reaction is muted by acceptance of "what is."

However, my love of architecture and history tells me that I would have been furious at the initial installation of this two-level public art. The public work was finished in 1986 at a cost of 1 million Euros. Buren railed against the disrepair of his work in 2007. The repairs were started in 2008 and were completed almost two years later at a cost of........ 5.8 million Euros!!

There is much written about the controversy of the initial installation and even more about the exorbitant cost of renovations. Either read it in French or use the translator as you will find plenty of juicy material in the French commentary.

It does make a nice instrument for the photographer, a playground for children and tourists, and for a grown up girl in a red coat.

Bises,
Genie

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I have to say the French do like to stir up a bit of controversy with their art by mixing the very modern with the traditional, most of the time I think it keeps things interesting. I love the red coat image Genie, works so well with a beautiful young lady in the mix oui!

Sketchbook Wandering said...

I remember being SO fascinated with these columns! You sure did capture them at their finest!