Thursday, October 17, 2019

Public Art in Paris #5

During a recent stroll, we discovered new public art located in a park along the Seine.  Jean-Claude had already read about the piece and had even seen a photo.  Based on the photo, Jean-Claude assumed the artwork was relatively small, perhaps two feet tall.  Huge mistake.

When we came around the corner of a building in the park, we saw that the artwork was enormous.  


The artwork is Bouquet of Tulips by Pop artist Jeff Koons.  You might know Koons' other work, giant chrome balloon animals.  


Bouquet of Flowers commemorates the many victims of terror attacks in France during 2015 and 2016.  At the recent inauguration ceremony, Koons said the flowers are “a symbol that life moves forward” and they “represent loss, rebirth, and the vitality of the human spirit”.

Bouquet of Tulips is a gift to the city of Paris, arranged by a former U.S. ambassador to France, with financial support from several donors.      


We sort of like Bouquet of Tulips.  It is brightly colored and symbolizes hope.  Jean-Claude especially likes his photographic version, pictured  


Bouquet of Tulips reminds Marie-Chantal of a similar work by Pablo Picasso (pictured below).  Like Koons' artwork, Picasso's drawing was a symbol of hope.
Bouquet of Peace or Hands with Flowers by Pablo Picasso (1958)
Thanks for viewing Bouquet with Tulips with us.

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