Election 2012: Prends le Pouvoir Sur Moi, Jean-Luc

Just over a week from now, the first round of the Presidential elections is going to take place. Across the city, campaign posters impose themselves. News headlines, the chatter of people in the métro all seem to reflect that ’tis the season for political decision making. I am going to be following this all quite closely. Even though I will be in Morocco for part of the coming week (I will post a little bit on this trip, all things being equal).

To kick off the election watch, I thought to post a video that echoes slightly back to Obama girl in the US.

In the Parisian version, we get to enjoy ‘Victoire Passage’ as she sings about one of the many leftist candidates, Jean -Luc Melenchon. (Well as an aside – the very existence of this candidate points to a very fragmented left. i have even heard some people suggest that Melenchon is actually serving the right side of the political spectrum by consciously stealing votes. I am not convinced about this conspiracy theory. But it certainly would not be surprising if the right were to win the first round, only to lose in the second. Anyhow, that’s another posting altogether).

In this clip, the Jean-Luc Melenchon girl takes her beloved candidates’ motto ‘Prenez le Pouvouir’ (Seize, take hold of power) , which one would remember as words from 1789 about taking the Bastille – and asks for Jean-Luc to bring his power to bear over her (Prends le pouvoir sur moir Jean Luc melencon). Quite a funny clip I must say.

Here it is:

Prends le pouvoir sur moi Jean-Luc Melenchon from Victoire Passage on Vimeo.

José Maria Sert Expo, La Petit Palais

Just found out about an exhibition of Catalan ‘Peintre décorateur’, José Maria Sert’s work to be hosted at the Petit Palais. It is set to run until the 5th of August. Sert is widely known for his skilful artistry with murals and apparently also had the distinct privilege of callingSalvador Dali a friend. He also holds his own as one of the several grand masters of art who honed their talents drawing upon the city of Paris as a muse. The ‘expo’ seems to be quite promising as a worthwhile visit.

Entrance is at 10 euro, 7 euros for those lucky to be entitled to discounts and 5 euro for half price tickets. It is in times like this that one wishes they could pass for being under 12.

For more information, click here

Tribute to Sciences Po’s Richard Descoings

I have the privilege to study at one of France’s most esteemed academic establishments and am acutely aware of why this is possible. In large part, it is thanks to the leadership of Richard Descoings, who, over the past 16 years has fought to make Sciences Po an inclusive, internationalised place of learning, a rich trove of ideas and progressive thought. Interestingly, some people affectionately referred to him as ‘Ritchie D’ which in French sounds very similar to the phrase for very rich, textured ideas – ‘riches idees’. He was found dead in New York yesterday. It is an immense loss. He was a mover and shaker in every sense of the word. And, for those of us who have benefitted from the open space that he created for international students to participate in the life of Sciences Po, gratitude for his well spent life is the least that we can express. May his soul rest in peace.

Below is a silent video tribute to Descoings posted on Vimeo by Sciences Po earlier today:

Merci Richard Descoings from Sciences Po on Vimeo.

L’artisanat Monastique

Literally stumbled upon a unique boutique that sells handmade, authentic gifts and goods from monasteries in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Rennes and Toulouse. A 68 bis, av; Denfert-Rochereau 75014 it is not immediately visible but it is a treasure trove of beautiful products ranging from handmade candles and soaps to embroidered kitchen and living room drapery. It might be a perfect place to pick up authentic French gifts that may not necessarily have the Eiffel Tower on them. Their website seems to be worth a visit as well. Click here

Paris à la seconde (app)

Just discovered an application that provides real time updates on news and events related to Paris. Free and compatible with iPhone and Android, it offers news on cultural events, directions to places of interest and important news (including métro and RER delays). SO far it seems to be living up to its name of giving Paris up to the second, and it worth the sacrificed bytes of space sacrificed from your mobile device.

App name: Paris à la seconde
Language : French
For Android and Iphone

Cire Trudon

It is not everyday that one gets to say that they purchased candles from the same candle maker that served the courts of Louis IX and Napoleon I and the same supplier of candles for the Versailles Palace, yet this is exaclty what I did today.

The house of Trudon has built a formidable reputation for its remarkable craftsmanship in the making of candles and has done so consistently since 1643. By some accounts it is the oldest candle maker in the world. As I study under the light and scent of beautiful candles bought from Cire Trudon I could only recommend visiting their store at 78, rue de Seine in the very strongest of terms. It is certainly worth it, particularly for candle and scent enthusiasts like myself. The price range is accomodating, although the very best products come at competitive prices. Well, one cannot possibly put a price upon joining the company of clients such as Marie Antoinette who have enjoyed these high quality candles in centuries past.

The blog (click here) also offers an interesting insight into the history of the store and Trudon’s presence outside of France.

Saint-Joseph des Nations,11ème

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Religion has had an evident qand significant impact upon the geography of Paris. The several church buildings that mark the city’s skyline attest to tis. This makes it an interesting place to discover the several and diverse workes of religious architecture in each of the arrondissements.

More often than not, the unique stories that lie behind these buildings also serve to make visiting sacred spaces in Paris such an interesting and educational experience. Often, one has to pay very close attention to the symbols and heraldry in most of the churches to place each of the buildings into historical conteext and to understand the power and social forces that made each of the cchurch buildings necessary.

One such building is Saint Joseph-des-Nations which I visited recently. If one looks closely you can notice sets of coat of arms belonging to the city of Paris, Pope Pius IX and the ‘archevéche’ (archbishop) at the time of the buildings first eucharistic mass in the late 19th century. These traces attest to the roole that religious sites played as an arena where international relations, city politics and domestic church needs met. After following up on the history of the church building, it appears to have been quite a complex one. The financing of the building, the need for the building and its legitimacy as a structure seemed to have been contentious and it took a while before the current, baroque structure was erected.

Today it still stands as a place of worship and as a feat of architectural mastery, but it also attests to the power politics and international relations that shaped the geography of this city — and the central role that religion played in giving much of the city’s character and form.

Address: 4 rue Darboy 75011
Métro: Goncourt (Line 11)

new restaurant in the 11ème

Just heard about “Septime”, a new restaurant in the 11th at 80, rue du Charonne. The concept behind the establishment is interesting, ingredients are sourced locally and significant effort seems to have gone into creating an inviting space. It definitely seems to be worth a visit, especially given its lack of pretentiousness.

Free Bach Concert: 25 March

Just entered into the diary….

JS Bach “Inventions et Sinfonies”
BWV 772 – 801
with Marie-Ange Leurent, Eric Lebrun on organ
Sunday 25 March 2012
Eglise Notre Dame de Lorette
18 bis, rue de Châteudin, Paris 9eme
Free Entrance
16h00

Eglise Notre Dame de Lorette

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Visited the church ‘Notre dame de Lorette’ for the first time. What an interesting history and background she she holds.

Designed by Louis-Hippolyte Lebas, an architect who trained under Percier and Fontaine (Napoleon’s preferred architects), Notre dame de Lorette is an interesting homage to neoclassical architecture.

The austere attention to form and structure of its exterior gives little insight into the generously elaborate ceilings and walls within its confines. Plastered with representations of biblical figures and of the Franks who placed French history into motion including Saints Remy, Genevieve and Clotilde, and King Clovis, Notre dame de Lorette also offers an interesting space to study some of France’s founding myths and beliefs.

Apparently, the fact that the Lebas chose to build the church ‘on stilts’ is not merely a matter of aesthetic preference. I am not sure how to say this in correct architectural terminology – but the neoclassical design was as much a stylistic choice as it was one made in consideration of the nature of the soil in the area and the need for sustainable weight distribution.

Interestingly as well, this building is in fact the third iteration of a religious space after two unsuccessful attempts, which were originally placed under the patronage of other saints before its current dedication to ‘Our Lady of Lorette’.

That being said, it is also correct, it seems, to appreciate the buidling as a broader commentary on the 19th century and the neoclassical tastes of the time. Some readings that I’ve come across even make comparisons and attributions of inspiration to Basilica di Saint Maria Maggiore. The list of sculptors who contributed to the building (Denis Fotayer, Charles- Francois Leboeuf) further reinforce the neoclassical ambitions of Notre dame de Lorette.

The buildings’ history, perserverance and elaborate interior decor make it a fascinating window into a Paris of a different time. Not only does it represent the 19th century and leave a mark of the politics of the time but it faithfully echoes back to various episodes of the cities past and the characters that have entered history to shape the beliefs, tastes and aesthetics of Paris.

It also is clearly well suited as a space to take a pause and take a breather. On a sunny day its’ front steps also seem to be a preferred spot to sun bathe or grab sandwiches. Well, if one prefers to do that, why not. It is a pity though to miss out on what lies inside.

Métro: Line 12 stop Notre dame de Lorette
18 bis, rue de Châteaudun, Paris 9th Arr.