from katherine tilton's studio: Paris Diary: May 2016

On the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Photo by Marcy Tilton

Just the word 'Paris'

conjures conflicting concepts

that can confuse the mind,

feed the senses,

expand the imagination

and ignite the heart.

In reality she never disappoints.

Typical touristic pursuits

continue to bring joy.

Marcy and niece Annie.

Looking at the Trocadero and Paris from the Eiffel Tower.

Plus the views are spectacular!

Hausmann had a good plan.

The Catacombs compel.

There's always a line

to view the macabre,

but not so morbid really,

display of skulls and bones.

It's a long way down.

Curious to imagine how and who

transported the bones, skulls and more bones

deep into the depths,

much less organized them

into such charming and thoughtful patterns.

Flâneuring

Being a flâneur in Paris offers a visual feast

with surprises and beauty around every corner.

Artist's studios.

Grafitti on a charming street.

Chestnut trees blooming in the Palais Royale.

I spotted this chic woman
carrying her dog by Square Boucicaut.

The dog's name aptly translated
as 'sweet face'.

What a blast to stroll on the Champs-Élysées
the first day ever it was closed to traffic!
Beautiful weather enhanced the occasion
and buskers added to the high energy.

Wandering in the work of art
that is Monet's garden at Giverny
is always divine.

Marcy, Eloise, Mimi and Wanda meander in the water garden.

Even French rain

can't dampen our spirits!

One can stroll in the gardens at Versailles

(which I adore) --

Reflections in the Hall of Mirrors.

but the palace is a crowded mass (mess)

of tourists all eagerly taking photos

(yes, me too)

bumping, pushing,

greedily claiming a spot of space.

I have to remind myself to breathe, look,

to be present; to see, feel, imagine.

What it was like to live here in the day?

Possibly as crowded, competitive and

completely unconscious as it is now.

Always a pleasure to examine

the deliciously detailed textiles

that the queen wore.

Detailed paintings like this are

a treasure trove for textile lovers.

Artful Parisian Pursuits

So many art exhibitions,

so little time -- but I managed

to happily view more than ever before.

An artful collection of boxes waiting for the 'homme de detritus'.

I was reminded of the pattern created by

these stacked boxes in the street --

when I went to the Monumenta 2016

exhibition 'Empires' by Huang Yong Ping

at the Grand Palais.

Tall stacks of shipping containers,

surround a giant Napoleon's hat;

all under the massive weighty skeleton

of a foreboding snake.

Reflective, uncomfortable

and definitely monumental.

The Grand Palais always presents

thoughtfully curated, powerful exhibitions.

Seydou Keïta's

moving and beautiful photos

capture the essence of the sitters

and the unerring eye of the photographer.

Accompanying videos provide a peek

into his process and vibrant unique personality.

The 'Carambolages' exhibition,

also at the Grand Palais,

indicates the curatorial direction

of the future.

'Listen with your eyes'

says the neon sign

giving the only instruction as you enter.

No titles, long explanations or

interpretations are provided with the work.

It is up to the viewer to follow

the sequence and make their own connections.

Classic and modern paintings with

weird and shocking elements,

primitive and contemporary sculpture,

indigenous garments,

functional weapons, exquisite porcelain

and ritual objects,

displayed in a non-linear

but totally connected progression.

Paintings by (left to right):

Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower

and Adolph Hitler were in the area

with implements of aggression.

Suit of armor with cannonball hole.

Sobering reminders

of the paradox we inhabit.

Stunning, exciting, thought provoking.

I saw it twice.

There was a marvelous

Paul Klee exhibit at the Pompidou.

I was drawn to these untitled Klee

marionettes.

And gleefully absorbed many previously

unseen (by me) Klee drawings and paintings.

War or the Ride of Discord by Rousseau.

The Henri Rousseau exhibit

at Musee d'Orsay was fabulous as well.

'War or the Ride of Discord'

boldly captures

the gruesomeness of war.

Then there were the Fashion exhibitions!

'Real' people clothing at Anatomy of a Collection

Especially touching at Anatomy of a Collection
exhibit at the Palais Gallieria
were the garments
worn by the majority of the people,
the workers, the 99%.
Patched and stained, the skirts
emanated the energy and labor
of everyday life.