Sunday, October 31, 2010

Murakami at Versailles

Takashi Murakami is causing quite the commotion over at the Palace of Versailles with his new retrospective. The negative reactions are overwhelming in numbers and conservatives are out for the kill:

"On Tuesday, the first day of the three-month show, the critics plan a demonstration mocking contemporary art. Protesters have been asked to take with them a painting of a cat's penis, a urinal or bidet on a shopping trolley, or "any other object of your invention".
'Let your imagination run wild,' wrote the Save the Chateau of Versailles collective. 'Be just as provocative as the 'artists' we are forced to admire.'"

Strong words. "...the "artists" we are FORCED to admire."  If you find the work so revolting, there is a simple solution. Do not go and see it. In this case, ignorance is bliss.There is no force.  So far "more than 11,000 people have signed petitions claiming the show is degrading and disrespectful." 
There is most definitely a tangible and understandable argument in maintaining the honor and authenticity of  Versailles, but perhaps they are taking it just a bit to far with their urinal stuffed trolley cart. I do not believe Marie and Louis would approve of such behavior.

 Read More:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/10/takashi-murakami-versailles-exhibition?intcmp=239

Images:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/sep/10/takashi-murakami-palace-versailles#/?picture=366592975&index=3

Thanks for reading!

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