Izabela Venuso’s Memories
Friday 19th October 2018
Art Shopping Expo
I took a flight from Birmingham to Paris where I’d spend three days exhibiting at the Art Shopping expo – a chance to share my work, catch up with fellow artists and explore the City of Love (of course!).
The event took place in the stunning Carrousel du Louvre and brought together artists from all over alll over the world – USA, Japan, Azerbaijan to name a few. Artists were exhibiting a wide variety of art including sculptures, paintings and pop art – the quality of work was incredible.
I was being represented by the PAKS Gallery from Austria, and I met my representative, Heinz Playner who travels around Europe with my artwork. He would be looking after the stand throughout the event. With everything taken care of I could go off and enjoy the exhibition.
Saturday 20th October 2018
I popped to the exhibition in the morning. Then it was time for a bit of exploring with my friend, Georgia, who I met at an art workshop in Oxford.
Museum d’Orsay
First stop was Museum d’Orsay which has an interesting history. It was originally built for the Universal Exhibiton of 1900 in the former Orsay train station (Gare d’Orsay), so it’s a work of art in itself with beautiful architecture. This includes a number of large clocks. The one I’m pictured with is also a window, giving stunning views of Paris. You can get a feel for how huge it is!
The museum is located on the banks of the Seine in central Paris, opposite Tuileries Gardens and displays art collections from 1848 to 1914.
I espeically enjoyed the Picasso exhibiton which displayed work from a critical ‘blue and rose’ period during his career. Organised by the Museum d’Orsey and the National Museum, it featured materpieces from 1900 to 1906, offering a new interpretation. I also saw interesting pieces from Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.
Café Campana
We went to the Café Campana for lunch which was an experience in itself. The café was designed by famous Brazilian designers, the Camana brothers and is known for being a place that inspires imagination with its dream-like décor. I recommend a visit if you’re ever in Paris.
Eiffel Tower
Next stop was the Eiffel Tower. It’s been 10 years since my last visit! It was still as impressive as ever, but it also struck me how much it’s changed. There are so many security measures in place now – including bullet proof glass, and you can’t walk around freely as you used to be able to. It’s sad that we’ve reached a point where precautions like these are needed, but safety comes first.
Sunday 21st October
Once again, I popped into the Art Shopping exhibition to say ‘hello’. Then it was on to the Louvre.
Louvre
A few pieces of art particularly caught my eye. One of these was a sculpture called the ‘Winged Victory of Samothrace’ or ‘The Winged Nike’. It portrays Victory, the goddess and messenger of Zeus. Sculpted from marble, it’s made up of three parts and stands at 18 feet 3 inches in height.
I was also in awe to see the work of renowned Italian painter, Sandro Botticelli. As someone who is fascinated by Venus, it was incredible to see his fresk ‘Venus and the Three Graces Presenting Gifts to a Young Woman’, representing beauty, love and giving.
I also enjoyed the Leonardo da Vinci Mona Lisa exhibition.
This was my second visit to the Louvre and I still didn’t get to see it all. I guess that’s a good excuse to go back!
After taking in all this incredible art, we headed to the Tuileries Garden. It takes its name from when it used to be a centre for tile makers and potters – ‘tuille’ translates to tile. The garden possesses beautiful sculptures, plants and trees – a relaxing experience and a place historically enjoyed by kings.
Monday 22nd October
Sadly, my time in Paris had come to an end. What an incredible few days! Until next time…
Please visit Izabela’s Gallery to get an idea of the work she was exhibiting in Paris.