DANIEL BUREN

Les Deux Plateaux (1985-1986) - by Daniel Buren

at the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais Royal in Paris

One of the hotspots in Paris I visit every single time I go to the city is the Palais Royal. Not only does the palace garden have a fantastic atmosphere and a series of elegant gallery shops around the garden, but the Cour d'Honneur features Daniel Buren's black and white pillars of his 3,000 m² sculpture entitled "Les Deux Plateaux".

Obviously this creation caused an intense debate over the integration of contemporary art and historic buildings. The Palais Royal, never for long a royal palace, eventhough the name misleads us, dates back to 1629 when it was home to Richelieu.

There used to be two theaters, the larger of which has housed the Comédie Française since Napoléon's reign. Today the Palace Royal houses the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture.

Often referred to as ‘the stripe guy’ Daniel Buren also expresses his theme in paint, laser cut fabric, light boxes, transparent fabrics and ceramic cup sets. His stripes are displayed in private homes, public places and museums world wide.

Enjoy,

HK