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| Bernar Venet, 86.5° Arc x 16 at the Place d’Armes. Photograph by Philippe Chancel. Palace of Versailles garden. |
Versailles has been sparking controversy as well as the delight of art enthusiasts with their contemporary art exhibitions. Previously they hosted a variety of installations by Jeff Koons, Xavier Veilhan and Takashi Murakami. The centuries old palace will now feature works by artist Bernar Venet.
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| Bernar Venet, Euf lignes obliques at Marly Estate. Photograph from the Archives Bernar Venet, New York. Marly Estate. |
Venet is known for his monumental sculptures and the works he has planned for the palace are no exception. He has designed custom works of art to fill the wide spaces and gardens. With so many open areas to view from various perspectives, the large scale sculptures will constantly change as one approaches and moves around them. They will frame and showcase elements of the palace giving visitors a unique view of the space and existing details.
The scale of his work prevents pieces from being shown within the chateau, but they will pepper the grounds and gardens.
I am thinking about the sunrises and sunsets, and the golden light that steeps the Corten steel in red and brown hints. The curves on my sculptures will contrast with the angular geometry in the gardens, and espouse the circular edges around the Basin d’Apollon and Grand Canal.
-Bernar Venet
In short, his works intend to enhance and compliment the views so familiar to visitors of the palace.
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| Berner Vernet, Effondrement : 225.5° Arc x 16 at the Apollo Bassin. Photograph by Philippe Chancel. Palace of Versailles | | | |
The exhibition will be on from June 1 through November 11, with eleven works to see, and it is free! Would love to hear your impressions if you do get to see the works.
Exhibition website
