A snake waves on one of the innumerable cylinders placed in the park of the Triangle de la Villette. This reptile is part of the installation From the light flow of
Group F, one of the three illuminations that La Villette deploys from December 2 to January 2. “The idea is to be able to offer the public an experience for the end of year celebrations, a convivial, family moment”, explains Inès Geoffroy, exhibition project manager. It is also the first time that the Park has deployed such large lighting installations, which is moreover during the Christmas period.
Originally, “this project was designed for last year, with the desire to react to the pandemic, to use the park as a venue and as a site for in situ projects”, specifies Inès Geoffroy. But due to the coronavirus, the project could only be mounted this year.
Nature and architecture
The three installations unite through the link between architecture and nature. “Both highlight the particular architecture of the park, but also its large green spaces,” says the project manager. This must “bring a specific public who would come to see these artistic projects and at the same time, offer something different to the users who pass through the park regularly”.
This is the case of Joseph, a 60-year-old resident who comes “to run at least once a week along the Ourcq canal”. Perched on the footbridge that spans the canal, he photographs the installation 1024 of Constellation, which reproduces, thanks to a skilful play of lights, a “milky way of imaginary stars”. “It’s really impressive,” he says. It reminds me of the fish that fishermen sometimes leave the canal. “Not quite in line with the description of the installation, but whatever, he will send the photos to the Facebook group of residents of Pantin to” encourage them to come “.
Before From the light flow, Cicie, 38, fell under the spell of an installation “very poetic, with a soothing side that sticks well to the environment”. Stéphen, 45, who walks with her, greets this “large surface of light. We bathe in it without it being too aggressive. “In any case, Joseph is already thinking of coming back” because with a different light, that can change the result “. As for Inès Geoffroy, she is already thinking of the aftermath. “The goal is to develop these future artistic collaborations, up to the Olympics in particular,” she explains. Success should be there.
Prevent the Covid-19 from spoiling the party
As the facilities are outside, a priori the risk of Covid-19 contamination is limited. Nevertheless, La Villette is doing everything to avoid a bad surprise. “We apply all sanitary measures, reassures Inès Geoffroy. The first large installation, although outside, is in an enclosed course. From that moment, we require the health pass with control at the entrance. “