Flower Power at Versailles

Currently on display at the Château de Versailles are the works of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Murakami has created a juxtaposition of of 17th century monarchy against contemporary modern Japan and it's quite controversial.

While some French monarchists have denounced the exhibition as “illegal,” the artist himself says that he is quite used to what he calls “Murakami-bashing.”

Many tourists who have came to the palace for its history are unimpressed by the novelty juxtaposition. Others see it as whimsical and refreshing. The museum’s director is well aware of the controversy these exhibits provoke, but insists on drawing a line between debate and censorship.

What do you think? Do you like pop-art inhabiting the palace?

"Murakami Versailles" runs from now until December 12th and is part of the standard museum entrance fee.

Comments

Unknown said…
Hmmm...I'm a little torn here. Art is art and what an amazing place to showcase ones work. The juxtaposition is remarkable and I can see the art in it. I, however, am not a huge fan of this particular style of art. I remember the Jeff Koonz exhibit at Versailles had a similar impact and I'm a Koonz fan. If I went to see Versailles for the first time I might be a little dissapointed to find this exhibition. It does detract from the history of that gorgeous place.
Great post!
xoxo
Judith
Hi Lynn,
Well, I adore Versailles but, I don't mind this art being exhibited there. It's not as if it's permanent and I love the complete contrast. The palace still manages to shine through. I love the quirkiness of it. XXXX
vicki archer said…
Why not I say...It is not affecting the past and only making us reflect on the future. In fact I suspect that it illuminates and illustrates the richness, extravagance and beauty of Versaille. Are the installations in the same league?....Now that is an interesting thought....xv
I agree. It's not permanent and the juxtaposition is quite eye-catching!
Unknown said…
no way...get the pop art out of there, it's ruining the whole thing!!!
Len said…
I love it!

It makes both the art and the palace seem that much more than what they are. The pieces are sensitively chosen for the area that it is displayed in. Hooray for adventurous French design.
24 Corners said…
Not a fan...it's a bit like placing a piece of anime over the Mona Lisa...another place I think. A few were okay...2, 3, 4, but over all...I'd much rather not be distracted from the palace itself.

What would Louis think I wonder?
J~
FrenchBlue said…
I love love love it! I think of us....little, dancing & playing, running through the mirror of halls...The art is candy & bubblegum for us in the Big French Palace!! Now not later!
Uh UH uH!
XO
Thea said…
I saw some of his outdoor installment art at 30Rock a few years ago. I always love the blending of contemporary art with traditional art and architecture. It's easy on the eyes.
Anonymous said…
I saw a Jeff Koons exhibition in Versailles and I thought it was very interesting!
Daisy Reyes said…
I say NO WAY there is a time and place for everything. I want to see Versaille's history, not modern art distracting from it. It breaks up the whole mood of one walking through and maybe trying to relive or see Versailles through the eyes of those who lived there, once one is all into it and really feeling it, they hit this large piece of eye popping colorful artwork! completely out of place. Interesting art work though, but not for Versailles.
Cashon&Co said…
wow. this is SOOO COOL. i do like to see the pop art with the serious art/antiques. it's past and current at it's best. great post dah-ling xoxoox
Anonymous said…
It's ghastly.
Stephanie said…
When I was there, they had an equally loud and contrasting Jeff Koonz exhibit and I hated it. I'm going to see Versailles, not pop art. It got in the way of seeing things I wanted to see and it was displayed so prominently. To me, it looks silly.
James Alves said…
love it ! Louis would say " Je suis vivant!" He was brave enough to make this wonder Palace and i bet he would be brave enough to go with his time and BEYOND:
By the way: i love Versailles, and also Modern Art: but Modern Art museuns are just so boring, non?

James

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