Embarking on a recent visit to the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, I stumbled upon an engaging installation To Breathe – Constellation by Kimsooja within François Pinault’s esteemed collection. Pinault’s profound passion for contemporary art has infused this space with a vibrant energy, nurturing the complexity of artworks and their remarkable capacity to mirror reality. Join me as we delve deeper into this captivating collection to discover its mysteries!
History of the building
Nestled in the heart of Paris, within the Les Halles Garden and overlooking the bustling Rue du Louvre, the Bourse de Commerce stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural evolution. This iconic building seamlessly blends elements from different epochs, boasting the first isolated column of Paris dating back to the 15th century, originally part of Catherine de Medici’s Hotel, alongside remnants of an 18th-century corn exchange characterized by its impressive circular layout. Since 1812, the structure has been crowned by a striking dome crafted from metal and glass. Transitioning into the latter half of the 20th century, it served as a hub for business services under the Paris Chamber of Commerce before undergoing a transformative shift and renovation by François Pinault’s Family becoming a prestigious contemporary art collection.
Photo III from renovation
About the Pinault Collection
François Pinault, esteemed custodian of the collection housed within the Bourse de Commerce, is a chairman of Kering – luxury goods holding renowned for its portfolio of esteemed fashion labels including Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci. Extending their artistic legacy beyond borders, the Pinault family has established permanent showcases in Paris, situated within the Bourse de Commerce, and in Venice at the Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana. Additionally, their cultural agenda extends through temporary off – site exhibitions across European cities, exemplified by recent show in Berlin at the Fondation Helmut Newton. Noteworthy is the family’s philanthropic commitment, as evidenced by their generous contribution of over $100 million towards the restoration efforts of the Notre Dame Cathedral following the tragic 2019 fire. Further solidifying their influence in the art world, the Pinault family boasts ownership of the iconic London – based auction house Christie’s, alongside a remarkable 3,000-pieces art collection featuring works by luminaries such as Picasso, Mondrian, and Koons.
Photo IV of Palazzo Grassi
About To Breathe – Constellation
Kimsooja, coming from South Korea, emerges as a multidisciplinary artist delving into the concept of communal experience. In her dialogue with the Pinault Collection, she articulated a profound desire to craft artworks akin to the intangible elements of water and air, entities that defy ownership but invite shared engagement. To Breathe – Constellation epitomized this ethos flawlessly. Nestled within the space of the Bourse de Commerce, the installation commanded attention with its monumental presence. Echoing the architectural philosophy of Japanese visionary Tadao Ando, who sought to imbue spaces with a sense of the boundless, Kimsooja created an intermediary world, an interstitial heterotopia, wherein visitors could immerse themselves.
Photo V of the artist from Instagram
As I stepped into the rotunda of Bourse de Commerce, a breathtaking sight unfolded before me: mirrors fully covering the floor, casting reflections of the sun-kissed ceilings above. In this artistic realm, reality was inverted, merging the glassy expanse of the ceiling with the mirrored ground below, defying conventional notions of gravity and spatial perception. Entranced by this spectacle, I observed visitors reclining upon the reflective surface, engaged in leisurely conversation or simply basking in the tranquil ambiance. Surrounded by strangers, yet united in our shared appreciation for the artistry before us. In that fleeting moment, in between the mirrored expanse, the harmony of communal experience felt just right. I wholeheartedly encourage you to partake in this captivating experience during your next visit to Paris.
Reference
- “Kimsooja’s Official Website,” Kimsooja’s Official Website, July 31, 2023, http://www.kimsooja.com/.
- “François Pinault & Family,” Forbes, n.d.,
- https://www.forbes.com/profile/francois-pinault/.
- “Pinault Collection,” n.d.,
- https://www.pinaultcollection.com/en.
- “A Building Linked to the History of Paris,” Halle Aux Grains | Restaurant-Café, n.d., https://www.halleauxgrains.bras.fr/en/bourse-de-commerce/a-building-linked-to-the-history-of-paris.
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