Paris: Perrotin

Joy. The feeling of joy. Feelings are the meaning in life. Every single person was feeling joy- the first sun of the year after months of grey and rain- it was radiant. From the sky, from the ground, and all the molecules in the air in between.

Off we went- first day packed with a steady agenda in Le Marais. Infamous for all the right reasons? Indeed, the art is a tour de force. I came to Paris with a heavily researched list of art galleries and it is unrivaled by anything else I’ve seen. This little neighborhood will be the bar in which I hold days lived in a life where I have rarely been able to experience the genius of humans.

Perrotin is hosted in one of many classical Parisian buildings- doors or gates from the busy street open up into an archway wherein one steps into the private and quiet courtyard. Paris is probably best noted for it’s balance of understated and yet rich character- as if it’s own best kept secret.

The split double circular stairway into the building makes quite the grand entrance, but the thoroughways inbetween are the fun bits of contrast, especially in such a classical building. The main floor looks innocuous enough – washed concrete floors, beautiful floor to ceiling windows and doors allowing for natural light to cast through and offset the fluorescent lighting- but then a choice! The surprise of a steel spiral staircase up or down a level… to where? Each of these thoroughfares was like a palate cleanser- cold, refreshing and curious.

I leave the joy to you as this gallery is a must see- it’s a beautiful example of how we can both preserve and modernize at the same time. In the process of trying to work out what all of this meant spatially, realizing Perrotin is more than what it seems (literally in more than one building)- I came across what I think I need to more of the next time in Paris- the graffiti… and maybe a splash of techno too. 😉 Perrotin caught me off guard and in the surprise, I found a mindset open to the expression of ideas. The joy was doubly delivered on this day- the sun, the astonishment. I don’t know if I’ll ever see a day like this again, but til next time Perrotin- I shall miss you until then.

P.S. It’s clear I intend to write one of these at the end of each of these Paris posts, so I proceed. That morning, we were dropped off at the Musée Picasso which is an architectural gem but was partially closed due to strike. A proper post will be overdue upon return. And excellent bookstore at Yvon Lambert. Round out the day with people watching at Place des Vosges.

… Le Marais graffiti (a reminder to look up)