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In an enchanting prelude to this global spectacle, the heart of Paris is now adorned with thematic attractions that pay homage to the forthcoming festivities.
Wandering through Paris during this period is akin to embarking on a cultural odyssey, where every corner of the city exudes a rich tapestry of culture, history, and now, a profound celebration of sports. The open-air exhibition, Beauty and Gesture (La beauté et le geste), inaugurated by the artist Laurent Perbos and Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the French National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale), marks a significant moment of cultural convergence. The installation beautifies the urban landscape and serves as a powerful symbol of the harmonious blend of art, history, and athleticism that Paris is known for, especially in the lead-up to the Games.
The Assemblée Nationale, a cornerstone of French democracy located on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Place de la Concorde, is a fitting venue for such an exhibition. This historic edifice, known for its pivotal role in shaping French legislative history, now plays host to an artistic endeavor that bridges the past with the present, the traditional with the contemporary. In the shadow of its grandeur, Beauty and Gesture stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, celebrating not just the physical feats of athletes but also the aesthetic beauty that these endeavors inspire.
In crafting the six sculptures, Laurent Perbos paid homage to the athletic ideals of the ancient and modern worlds and also reaffirmed the role of Paris as a crucible of cultural innovation. As the city gears up for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, these sculptures embody the values of excellence, friendship, and respect that the Games aspire to promote. Through this fusion of art and sport, Paris once again proves its unparalleled ability to captivate and unite people from all walks of life, heralding the commencement of a global celebration that transcends boundaries and echoes the universal language of beauty and grace.
Laurent Perbos, renowned for his inventive approach to sculptural art, has skillfully intertwined the classical allure of the Venus de Milo with the dynamic vigor of Olympic and Paralympic sports. His installation presents these timeless sculptures in a new light, each embodying the essence of sports such as boxing, tennis, surfing, basketball, javelin, and archery. Positioned prominently in front of the Palais Bourbon, each sculpture is backed by a column, further accentuating the thematic diversity and the inherent connection between artistic beauty and athletic prowess.
