More Modern Art at Versailles!


Joana Vasconcelos, Vitrail. 2012, installation. Escalier de la Reine, Versailles.
It is back!

Today Versailles' latest exhibition, Joana Vasconcelos Versailles, has opened and will be on view until September 30, 2012.



Regarding the artwork, Joana explains that the pieces were made for the setting. She (like many of us!) always felt deeply moved when at the palace, stating that she could "still hear the echo of the footsteps of Marie-Antoinette".

Joana Vasconcelos, Coração Independente Vermelho. 2005, installation. Salon de la Paix, Versailles.
She views the rooms and hallways of Versailles as a place "between reality and dreams, the everyday and magic, the festive and the tragic" and has created works that reflect such balances. The installations aim to translate the feel of 17th and 18th century Versailles into a more contemporary one, without loosing the grand feelings one gets when visiting the palace.

The works are 'grand' to be sure. Here are some:
Visit the exhibition homepage

Joana Vasconcelos, Blue Champagne. 2012, installation. Parterre d’Eau, Versailles.
Joana Vasconcelos, Lilicoptère. 2012, installation. Salle 1830, Versailles.
Joana Vasconcelos, Marilyn (PA). 2011, installation. Galerie des Glaces, Versailles.

Joana Vasconcelos, Perruque. 2012, installation. Chambre de la Reine, Versailles.

Joana Vasconcelos, Gardes. 2012, installation. Salle des Gardes de la Reine, Versailles
Joana Vasconcelos, Golden Valkyrie. 2012, installation. Galerie des Batailles, Versailles.



10 comments:

  1. I'm not that enamored with all of the pieces, but at least this time they suit the palace a bit better. I have to admit, I am on the (rational) side that doesn't want modern art pieces amidst the glorious rooms that already have all the decoration they need and are conceptually complete. why not display the modern art pieces in more neutral ground like the many corridors of the ground floor which are much emptier and could support something like this.

    I still recoil in horror when I remember the 'art pieces' that looked like like garden hoses tied together in the Parterres du Midi. So out of place and ugly!

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  2. OMG, not again! :/

    The first thing is interesting but still out of place. The lions maybe, but the rest...

    I hated last year´s rusty things in the gardens and it looks like I am to see some more modern art in this lovely place. I wonder if I will ever be able to take nice photos (without modern art) when visiting Versailles in summer months. It makes me sad because I am always looking forward to travelling all the way to France, Paris, and this awaits me!

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  3. This is a real shame. I can't believe how this can be allowed to take place. Can you imagine visitors disappointment when they have travelled overseas to see the palace and have to see that!

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  4. I must say the high heel shoes are somewhat fitting given Louis XIV's fashion.

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  5. No, no, no......utter blasphemy.

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  7. Anonymous3:46 AM

    I think the pink helicopter is fabulous! I love Versailles!

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  8. I saw this exhibition..although im not a fan of modern art. This exhibition I could appreciate...very dynamic and interesting....although not cohesive, somehow fits in an unconventional way. Don't be too quick to judge.

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  9. I saw this exhibition..although im not a fan of modern art. This exhibition I could appreciate...very dynamic and interesting....although not cohesive, somehow fits in an unconventional way. Don't be too quick to judge.

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  10. @Boutiquemayamarie Thanks for sharing your experience! I wish I could get over there to see it before the show ends :)

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