I would like to share with you a significant moment from last week. But before that, let me tell you about “Treasures of Times“ Instituted by Archivorum Ark, this inter-school contest primarily aims to introduce primary (but not only) school students to the concept of archiving. It seeks to awaken their curiosity about the importance of archives and cultural heritage, inspired by the work of artist Berlinde De Bruyckere, and to encourage them to create their own mini-archives with objects from their daily lives. Through practical and exploratory activities, the goal is to raise students’ awareness of the preservation of history and cultural heritage.
Working closely with Galleria Continua, the Archivorum team has already contacted several schools to introduce this competition into the next year’s school curriculum.
Amid the excitement of the last school trips before the summer holidays, many schools scheduled a visit to Galleria Continua – Les Moulins. This vast and versatile exhibition space is an ideal place to introduce young and old to contemporary art. This Thursday, Galleria Continua hosted two primary school classes (4th and 5th grade), and I had the chance to spend the day with them to present the competition. Here is my story.
I boarded the train at Gare de l’Est, heading to Coulommiers, at 9:17 am, an iced chai latte with oat milk in hand. At the back of the train, I joined Valeria, the manager of Galleria Continua - Les Moulins. She briefly presented the day's program before we discussed everything and nothing.
The train plunged deeper into the countryside, the dense and polluted air of Paris dissipating as we advanced towards Coulommiers. This quiet moment was a prelude to a busy day. Upon our arrival at the gallery, after just over an hour’s journey, I was struck by the immensity of the place: 14,000 m² dedicated to contemporary art, a dense concentration of creativity, boundary transgression, monumentality, and finesse of spirit. Accompanied by Davide, an intern as knowledgeable as he is passionate, I had the privilege of a private tour. His explanations, as precise as they were poetic, added a new dimension to each work. The installations by Kader Attia (Measure and Control, 2013) and Anish Kapoor (Cave, 2012) left me speechless. Their imposing presence harmonized perfectly with the vast spaces of this former paper factory converted into an art gallery. I must also mention the monumental installation by Subodh Gupta entitled Ali Baba (2011- 2016), which occupies an entire wing of the gallery. Thousands of shimmering pots, pans, and dishes float in the air, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s music: a pure delight for the mind.
Image 1. Arriving at Galleria Continua – Les Moulins
Image 2. Anish Kapoor, Cave (2012)
Image 3.
Image 4. Subodh Gupta, Ali Baba (2011-2016)
Image 5. Subodh Gupta, Ali Baba (2011-2016)
Image 6.
Around 11 am, the joyful arrival of the two primary school classes suddenly filled the gallery, previously vast and calm, with new energy. The children, lively and curious minds, brought a breath of innocence and spontaneity. This was my first experience discussing art with children, and I was deeply touched by their responses, so accurate and brilliant. The question posed: “What is the difference between a gallery and a museum?“ sparked surprisingly deep and relevant reflections.
Image 7.
Célestine, the mediation manager, orchestrated a game around the importance of perspective, using a tree-shaped sculpture by Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou as the focal point. The captivated children explored the work from various angles, revealing the richness of multiple perspectives.
Image 8. Kids discovering Pascale Marthine Tayou’s sculpture
The visits began in the two spaces of site No. 1. I had the opportunity to present the work of artist Berlinde and explain to the students the guidelines and purpose of the “Treasures of Times“ competition. Their overflowing enthusiasm was palpable, their questions incessant, and their curiosity boundless.
Image 9. Berlinde de Bruyckere
Next, it was time for lunch: an exquisite margherita (with extra capers!), enjoyed under the sun and the tranquility of the countryside. After this gourmet break, we explored site No. 2 of Les Moulins, located a 10-minute drive away. There, other installations and the exhibition “Kaleidoscopes - Cuba: Contemporary View“ awaited us.
Image 10. Lunch time!
Image 11
The two classes were also introduced to the importance of perspective with a creative workshop. Settled outside, Célestine asked them to draw their portrait in a mirror reflecting their face. It was adorable.
Video 4.
At 4 pm, the day ended. Although tiring, it was incredibly stimulating. The children, so endearing, did not want to leave us. Their purity and affection reminded me of feelings I had almost forgotten. Finally, I returned to Paris, arriving around 6:30 pm, my head full of memories.
Comments