Renewing History
For the first time in over three centuries a permanent contemporary sculpture, created by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, will be added to the gardens of the Château de Versailles, France.
The site for the sculpture, The Water Theatre Grove, was constructed between 1671 and 1674 by landscape architect Le Nôtre and was one of the more intricate sections of the gardens. Contemporary landscape designer Louis Benech will transform the landscape of the inner ‘room’ of the space in partnership with Othoniel. The project will follow the spirit of the gardens designed by Le Nôtre.
Jean-Michel Othoniel will create four fountain sculptures. Linking the garden, the body and sculpture, these abstract works, composed of interlacing arabesques of glass, will evoke the body in movement. They are inspired directly by the ballet performed and organised by Louis XIV and The Art of describing dance by Raoul-Auger Feuillet in 1701.
An exhibition titled ‘André Le Nôtre in perspectives. 1613 – 2013’ will explore the history of the landscape architect and also offer an insight in the concept of this recent addition to the gardens. The exhibition is on display at the Château de Versailles, France until Saturday 23 February 2014. Othoniel’s sculptures will be inaugurated in Autumn 2014.
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