Author: Roisin Astell

Balloon Dog, 1994-2000, Jeff Koons

Exhibition Review: Jeff Koons Retrospective, Centre Pompidou

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Following the box-office success at the Whitney Museum in New York, the Jeff Koons Retrospective made its way to the Centre Pompidou this November. However, with the success in the box office, came a myriad of reviews – not all positive. The aim of the retrospective is to offer viewers a clear chronology and documentation of the evolution of the controversial artist. Chronologically arranged, visitors first encounter Koons’ ready-made works, beginning with his collection of vacuum cleaners from around the 1970s. Having previously visited the Centre Pompidou’s previous retrospective exposition of Marcel Duchamp, and which at one point was still open along side the Jeff Koons show, it is clear to see Koons’ influences in the Duchamp. However, the collection of vacuums I felt were arbitury. For Duchamp, such ready-mades were revolutionary, something never encountered before in the History of Art. But for Koons, it feels contrived and merely an attempt to aggrandise himself to the same artistic and originality as Duchamp. This part of the exposition felt almost like entering a museum for household …

Instagram Paris

The last two weeks on Instagram

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It’s been a while since I’ve written one of my usual ‘This week on Instagram’ posts, and without further ado, here it is. The last two weeks have been incredibly busy – I’ve ended up doing so much. But the main idea that I think one could possibly take from the last couple of days is that I have been somewhat preoccupied with Spring – Paris in Spring. As previously mentioned in my blog (and of course in future posts), Spring here in Paris is beautiful. There is something magical and dream-like to be able to wander around the various streets, especially with no aim or goal in mind. The arrival of the flowers and green luscious leaves makes for much nicer photos, and I’ve recently been trying to experiment with different angles and ways to capture the environment around me. As you will be able to tell, I’m becoming a huge fan or the sun flare and trying to get that ethereal quality to my photographs. I just hope that my filter on my lens protects my camera …

The best and most inspiring Parisian Based Instagram accounts to follow!

Top 15 most inspiring Parisian Instagram accounts to follow

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I’m definitely not the first to admit this but, I love instagram. In fact, I might even be somewhat of an addict. As one of the first things I look at in the morning and the last at night, instagram is a fantastic way of seeing how others view the world that we live in. I’ve also found instagram great for learning more about this amazing city that I live in. From discovering new cafes or places to visit, to different ways to photograph many of the iconic sights here in Paris, instagram is invaluable. With all this said, and my addiction proudly declared to the world, I have composed a list of just some of my favourite Parisian based instagram accounts and photographers. ‘Some’ is used in the context that I probably could have chosen hundreds of accounts to include, but that would take forever and most definitely be never ending! So let me know some of your favourites as I love learning about new people to follow 🙂 Paris in Four Months (Instagram and Blog) I have been …

David Bowie Exposition, Paris

Exhibition Review: ‘David Bowie Is’, exposition Philharmonie de Paris

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Back in 2013, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London hosted an extraordinary exhibition that offered a unique opportunity to delve into the wonderful career of one of music’s greatest legends – David Bowie. From a personal perspective, I was beyond excited to find out that the V&A David Bowie Is exhibition would be making a stop in Paris for numerous reasons. When the retrospective first opened in London, I was unable to go and see it due to the rapid rate at which the exhibition sold out. But for those who did not have the opportunity to see the V&A exhibition first hand, also had the chance to be able to ‘virtually visit’ the exhibit via one of the many showings of the exhibition at the cinema. I can probably imagine that you have absolutely no idea what I am talking about, but just hold on one second. Due to the sheer popularity of the exhibition, the V&A presented a live screening in the form of David Bowie is Happening Now, which was shown …

Paris Blossom, Spring

Spring has sprung, Printemps à Paris so far

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There is something magical and dreamy about Paris in Spring. With the magnolia trees coming into bloom, and the dark grey clouds transforming to open blue skies, I think it’s safe to say Printemps officially arrived this Easter weekend. With the beautiful weather over the last few days, I have been trying as much as possible to make the most of this fantastic weather, and so when my friend Kate invited me to go to some of Paris’ Jardins to view the exquisite flowers I jumped at the chance. Therefore, the last few days have involved exploring number of Jardins including the Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin des Plantes, Jardin de Musée Rodin, Square René Viviani and the Jardin Medieval de Cluny. We both decided that you probably cannot have too many flower photos, and so I’ve attempted to select some of my favourites so far. Overall, I have endeavoured to capture the dreamy and romantic essence that one gets when viewing all these beautiful flowers.

Geneva

Geneva: Photo Diary

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This is a very belated account of my mini-adventure to Geneva in February. So with out delay, here it is: The day after my return from the Alps to Paris, an early 4am start took me onto my next adventure: less than two days in the city of Geneva with one of my best friends, Kate (don’t forget to check out her blog! https://wherekateresides.wordpress.com) Unfortunately for us, Geneva welcomed us with grey skies and light rain. Despite this, we were determined to make the most of the hours that we had in this fascinating city. Our first day consisted of wandering around the streets, taking in all the different architecture. Whilst also looking in the windows in a few of the designer shops. Our first ‘tourist attraction’ was Saint Pierre Cathedral, situated in the old part of the city. I was surprised that the Cathedral was begun in the 12th century, and was therefore immediately captivated. In addition, we decided to head on down into the Archaeological site directly underneath the cathedral, wherein we explored …