In 1978 the council of Paris decided they wanted a few more fountains in Paris, with contemporary art. In 1981 a commision was given to sculptors Jean Tinguely and his wife Niki de Saint Phalle to create a fountain for the square behind the Centre Pompidou and it was opened in 1983.
They were inspired by the musical works of the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) who became a French citizen in 1934.
They studied the place of the fountain for over a year, looking at the light and the atmosphere of it. The sculptors needed to create a balance with the front of the Centre Pompidou where so much is happening with all the artists and perfomances, and they needed to find a balance between their own characteristic works with Tinguely working mainly in black and white and Saint Phalle in bright colours.
Well, all I can say is that they managed to create a great fountain. I love coming here, to sit on one of the benches next to the fountain and look at the people or the children playing. And I always leave feeling happier than I did when I arrived.
I'm sorry I missed this; guess I'll have to go back to France. :)
ReplyDeleteAs if you need a reason to go back to Paris! :-D
DeleteBut the next time you visit, yes, this is a nice little place. It works best when the sun is shining!
Kind regards,
You're right! I never need a reason to go to Paris (after all, Paris IS the reason)...I only need the money. :)
DeleteI understand, sometimes I wish for a little moneytree on my balcony and it is such a shame you can only spend money once! :-D
DeleteI would love to go to Rome or another city in Italy this year, but that won't happy for the same reason.
But who knows, one day you may be able to go to Paris again (and in the meantime dreaming is not a bad thing either!)
KInd regards,