Museums in Paris: Centre Georges Pompidou #3 (Part 1 of 2)

We recently returned to the Pompidou to see the permanent collection and also a temporary exhibition of early Ellsworth Kelly works.

We have noticed something about the French.  Any great artist, whether born in France or elsewhere, is embraced by the French IF the artist spent time in France.  In fact, the artist's time in France is the source of the artist's greatness.  For example, according to the explanation above, Ellsworth Kelly's formative period was in Paris: "Kelly laid the foundations for all his work to come" over the next 6 decades.  This same phenomenon applies to many great artists, such as Picasso, van Gogh, Miro, Chagall, Ray, Dali, Kandinsky, Giacometti, Mitchell and on and on.  

We were interested to see the Ellsworth Kelly exhibition at the Pompidou because we had seen his works at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. and, more recently, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.   Let's take a look at Kelly's foundational works executed during his time in Paris.  

The painting above is based on an actual window in Paris, at the former building of the Musée National d'Art Moderne (the building is now home to the Palais de Tokyo museum).

The painting above (Window VI) is likewise based on an actual window in Paris.

If you follow this blog, then you know that we enjoy art and view a lot of art.  Some of it is good, some of it not so much.  We often ask ourselves, "Is this art?  Is it any good?  Couldn't we do the same?"  Those questions came to mind while viewing the Kelly exhibition, especially when we came upon two minimalist paintings White Square and Black Square.  

As you see for yourself in the photo, Some Random Hottie is wondering "why the big fuss".  

Ellsworth Kelly was a groundbreaking artist in the 1950's and influenced many artists that followed him.  Clearly, the fine folks at the Pompidou think Kelly's paintings are worth a special exhibition.  

In any event, we now have some ideas for decorating our apartment during Year 5 in San Francisco.  We will buy some large canvases and some black and white paint and then attempt to create our own Ellsworth Kelly paintings.  Wish us luck (not that we think too much effort will be required . . .)

Next Up:  Some great art at the Pompidou.