Adventures and Interesting things in and around Paris

Sculptures made from Public Works 'Manhole' Caps?  from all over the world

Exploring around the Bercy stop of the Metro, a sculpture park with these charming figures was revealed.  From a distance I thought they were just intriguing caricatures of different cultures, when investigated they were revealed to be even more interesting in that they were created with patterned metal seemingly from discarded public works systems in cities from all over the world.  Some had nameplates to reveal their country of origin:   Spain above, Venice with the White mask, Brazil with the big hair and Jesus silhoette placed rather provocatively, and Canada has the red Maple leaf.

  \          Mosaic tile graffiti?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invader_(artist)

Apparently there is a 'mosaic griffitiest' called Invader that began to place space invader characters around Paris and other cities in the mid-90's.  I spotted an Oscar the Grouch looking mosaic - I don't know if it is one of his? and then there was another near Sacre Coeur.  I know I have seen others but I didn't think get photographs of them.  I will continue to be on the lookout for this fun 'graffiti art.' 

By venturing outside the city center and visiting other arrondissemonts you can see more than just the tourist attractions.  We live in the 14th arrondissemont, and visited the 12th on Sunday. 

Skate Park

It was really cool to see that Skate Parks look very much the same, no matter where they are found.  One of the biggest differences, and boarders - let me know if this is true in the USA - is that there were very few boarders.  There were far more bikers, bladers, and 'scooter's'...  I am not sure of the correct term for the object that the young man doing a flip above is riding.  The Graffiti/tagging is relativly similar as well, however, in Paris I have found a few more of what I call more creative graffiti.  I will continue to take pictures and post what I find.

Statue with a pigeon assisting in directional cues

Gargoyles are also wonderful places to 'chill' for pigeons.

Finally, I took my classes to the Pompidou on Monday after a visit on Free (National) Museum Day - otherwise known as the 1st Sunday of the Month in France.  The detritus on the floor was unimpressive until I looked up and saw what the artist had done - clever.  I wonder how one goes to the museum directors and asks to cut a hole in the ceiling, would have been fun to be a fly on the wall for that one!



I love looking for new ways to frame monuments that are world renowned and photographed by tourists everywhere.  I know it is small, but that is Sacre Coeur in the hole of the Alexander Calder sculpture.

Up next:  Brussels, Bruges, & Ghent. 

Still to Post:  Chartres, Baden Baden Casino & the Black Forest, Colmar (aka Little Venice) & the Unterlinden and more..