So when I’m not visiting art exhibitions, my services are required to take pictures of an upcoming event and figure out the art of hanging 52 large paintings in one of Nantes’ most famous buildings—merci papa!
From September 5 to November 10, my dad will present his latest series illustrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The venue? The courthouse of Nantes, this imposing dark and shiny cube designed by Jean Nouvel that sits in front of the Loire River, in the Isle of Nantes. It’s a big gig, a cool challenge. Strangely enough, my dad is very matter of fact about it. The paintings are ready, so now he focuses on the technical aspects of the exhibition.
I’m used to my dad’s fairly “unconventional” career choice. For him, “going to work” is going to his atelier where he is creating, drawing, painting. I have never seen him wearing a suit or anything else classier than a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Growing up, I never really asked him anything about art. I knew he could draw anything; occasionally I like his paintings or sculptures, but the creative process was a bit of a mystery and frankly, I wasn’t that interested in it—much like most kids don’t ask about their parents’ job, no matter what the job is, accountant, CEO, customer service employees or rocket scientist. Now I can appreciate how hard he works, how tough it can be to make people appreciate art or the “message” he delivers—a message of hope, respect and a deep appreciation of life and people.
Together, we walked to the courthouse, me holding the camera, him holding a large cardboard portfolio and a backpack full of stuff security staff do not want anyone bringing in a sensitive public place—scissors, cutters, metallic wires, etc. Fortunately, he was cleared and expected. Phew.
We used the trial and error method to hang one painting and make sure technical requirements were met. It works. Next step will be hanging the art, for real this time.
The exhibition consists of 52 paintings illustrating the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I hope he gets the success he deserves.
Wow – what a great life your Dad must lead! To be able to do something you love like that would be such a rare blessing!
Yes, I’m happy for him indeed. Of course, I wish he was rich and famous… but I think he doesn’t care about that!
I would have loved to tag along!
Next time 😉
Very interesting 🙂 It must be one kind of an experience, of course I state the obvious
😆 I tend to state the obvious sometimes too, and then I notice it… and like you, I say “captain obvious!”
lol
Pingback: Appreciating Visual Arts is a Learning Curve
Pingback: The Creepy Courthouse