the light in the grand palais

'LEVIATHAN'

I have always been intrigued by a ceiling that allows natural light to filter though. I am not talking about a the light that comes through a prefab box installed in a 1970's home. I am thinking more along the lines of the glass pyramid at The Louvre or the barrel-vaulted glass ceiling in the Grand Palais in Paris. I love the quality of the light in these spaces and the juxtaposition of feeling you are outside all the while being indoors among some of the greatest works of art. I'm sure the light on the olive green kitchen counters is beautiful, too. Maybe.

There was an exhibit at The Grand Palais in May 2011 called 'Monumenta'. One of my favorite artists, Anish Kapoor had a sculpture called 'LEVIATHAN' that filled the space and exaggerated the contrast between contemporary and classical art. This mix of contemporary work of art in this Beaux-Arts masterpiece makes such a statement. The natural light from the glass ceilings creates a translucent blanket over the space and not only casts textural shadows on the aubergine hued sculpture but also allows the art nouveau ironwork to stand out like jewelry. 

The color palette is sublime!

my new cooking project

I joined 'FRENCH FRIDAYS WITH DORIE' (Greenspan). Look for my weekly postings as I work my way through her book, 'AROUND MY FRENCH TABLE'.