Odilon Redon

I was just introduced to this artist last Wednesday via my art history class and I love him. I feel like I am finally figuring out what area of art that I like best! After like 10 art history classes, it took me being in Paris to find it!

Deconstructivism.

Today I visited two structures that might define as the opposite of Deconstructivism: The Arc de Triomphe and the Grande Arche at La Défense in Paris. They were really splendid, especially the Grande Arche. I found it ironic kind of that the Grande Arche was created as a monument of humanitarian ideals, rather than military victories... which is kind of what Arc de Triomphe was built for.

ANYways, after all of that and researching the histories of the two structures, I found myself looking up this super rad park in Paris (Parc de la Vilette) that is apparently in the "Deconstructivism" style, which then launched me into a whole different train of Wikipedia articles.

Many of the Deconstructivists were influenced by the ideas of French philosopher Jacques Derrida, which seemed weird to me at first, but after learning more, it sort of made sense. He and this architect became pretty good pals and developed the architectural philosophy that I THINK is something like... architecture is like presence in that both require the opposite to act against in order to exist. Absence requires the existence of presence in order to be a thing at all... much like Deconstruction requires the existence of Construction in order to act against it.

Frank Gehry is the prototypical example of a Deconstructivist... especially in the work he did on his own home in Santa Monico.

What started out as a Suburban home, ended up like this! He took an actual house and changed it from the inside out.

Other architectural structures of his include:

Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas


Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles


IAC Building, Chelsea NYC


And my two personal favorites:

Dancing House, Prague


Experience Music Project, Seattle


I had a revelation today that, as my friend DJ said, will probably pass in a week or so... but I decided I want to learn something every day. It sounds pretty simple, but I feel that there are probably days when I don't see anything cool or learn anything new, and that is a sad thing.

Today it was Deconstructivism, tomorrow it will probably be Bean Sprouts or something. We will see where my mind takes me!

I don't like this version as much as the original, but I thought this video was better than watching a picture for 4 and a half minutes.

I feel like I keep going back to these oldies. They are so great.

more nostalgia.

I know I am a little late in the game on liking the Strokes... but I just love this. How did I not listen to them for so long?? I don't understand.

This video makes me want to come home and hang out with friends, but I think that is the point.

I can't stop listening to this song. My hope is to make a video of all of my Parisian adventures and put it to this song. We will see.

THE BELLS OF NOTRE DAME!

All I could think about was this song from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I pictured Quasimodo with his gargoyle pals just hanging out in the bell tower.



I had heard that the Notre Dame is depressing on the inside, but I would have to disagree. It is absolutely breathtaking... just kind of dark. They had these angel choirs sounding through the whole Cathedral and it really just blew my mind. So neat!

Parisian Shenanigans.

So, I have been in Paris for 2 weeks on Sunday, which means only 5 weeks left to hit the biggy's. Also, that means that I will be finishing with class in 5 weeks which seems ridiculous because it just started and I am already stressed that I have 2 tests and a 10-page paper to create within that time. Eek!

I have decided to post a couple pictures showing the main "sight-seeing" places I have been to since in France.

This is a view from the top of the Lafayette Galleries, which is basically a giant Macy's. Apparently it's a big deal, but I thought it was lame, but this view was nice!

I went to Versailles last Friday with some of my gal pals from the FIAP. It was really beautiful but my feet hurt terribly when the day was done. Next time, I will bring more comfortable shoes and I will rent a bike to ride through the gardens. I will also arrive earlier, FOR SURE.

I went to the Louvre! It was really busy, but really nice. I bought a pass that will let me go whenever I want without waiting in line for the next year. I want to go at night because I think it would be very pleasant. I still have a lot to see too!

Annnnnd last but not least, I went to the Eiffel Tower yesterday! It was a beautiful day, but it got a little cloudy and cold by the time I got to the top.

Yay Paris. I think I am going to Notre Dame tomorrow and I have a whole list of things still to do. I am going to Giverny on Monday with some classmates, so that should be NIFTY.

PEACE.