The sheer number of permanent art collections and historic galleries in Paris can fill hours and dominate an itinerary, to the point that people overlook the many unique temporary exhibitions on display. Tucked away in the 11th Arrondissement sits the newly-opened L’Atelier des Lumieres, a former 19th-century industrial factory, re-discovered and converted by Bruno Monnier into a digital art centre. With 140 laser projectors and 3,300 square meters of projection surface, this formerly stark industrial space has been reborn into an immersive and enchanting world open to exploration by viewers. Remnants of the building’s past remain intact however, with metalwork, pools and a chimney all integrated into the exhibition space.
What better work than that of Gustav Klimt to exemplify this venue’s potential? The 20th-century Viennese painter is known for his large golden freizes and captivating paintings, which have been beautifully translated at L’Atelier from canvas onto their screens.
The opening scenes of the exhibition broadcast images of industrial Vienna, cold, dark and dejected cobblestone streets. Enter Klimt’s work, bringing colour, life and light to the city if not the art world. The artist’s work encompasses every inch of the space, from the ever climbing walls to the ground underneath your feet.
Icons of Klimt’s work such as The Beethoven Frieze and The Kiss are side-by-side with smaller, lesser-known works, and all of them are vividly brought to life. Occasionally one piece is at the center of the entire exhibition and yet its presentation and interaction with different locations within the space offer countless difference perspectives, shown from each and every angle, often blown up on a large scale and given intense close ups. Such a display encourages viewers to constantly view the exhibition in a new light, leading to a very serene and tranquil atmosphere as people take in the art around them. In the display of The Kiss, Klimt’s most recognisable work, every detail is examined, from the couple’s interlocked fingers to the flowers at their feet. The physical experience of the gallery is different, as you are not so much looking and moving on from one piece to the next, so much as experiencing a fluid absorption and appreciation of the pieces around oneself.
The space allows visitors to wander through Klimt’s artistic vision one work at a time, as mammoth images slowly move across screens, fading out only to be replaced by another masterpiece. The size of the space allows for many viewpoints. Some guests prefer to lay down on the floor and gaze up at the enchanting world around them, others climb to the balcony where a bird’s eye view await them. Even a bar is available, portraits swooping overhead as you drink.
The exhibition is helped largely by its music. Classical scores of Richard Wagner, Chopin, Vivaldi and, of course, Beethoven constantly echo throughout the walls, all in perfect sync with the surrounding artwork. Fast violins strum as rapid amounts of portraits flash before viewers eyes, all to swell to a waltz as the exhibition slows down to focus on one piece. In creating a memorable atmosphere, the art and music truly work in harmony.
Klimt’s influence on other artists is highlighted by the inclusion of works by Egon Schiele and contemporary artists such as Poetic_Al running on a loop after the Klimt show and is definitely worth the stay. Schiele’s works highlights Klimt’s influence, elongated figures, bright colours and emotive faces. Klimt’s work clearly astounded and inspired Schiele, and after visiting this exhibition and seeing Klimt’s art on a new level is easy to see why.
Gustav Klimt remains at L’Atelier until December 31. This monumental exhibition has helped launch the L’Atelier as what is hopefully a constant in the Parisien art scene and a must-see destination for art lovers.
