Camille Pissarro, considered by many to be the father of the impressionist movement, moved to Pontoise in 1871 where he made such memorable paintings as “The River Oise Near Pontoise, 1873” and “A Cowherd at Pontoise. 1874” He was joined by other painters such as Cézanne and Claude Monet who along with Pissarro immortalized the village and surrounding landscapes Continue reading “Pontoise… in the days of the impressionists”
Steichen, “Lives in Photography”
A major retrospective of Edward Steichen’s photography at Paris’ Jeu de Paume is a chance to see one of the most prolific and influential photographers of the 20th century. Surprisingly this is the first time such a large collection of his work has been shown in Europe. Continue reading “Steichen, “Lives in Photography””
Chasing Matisse and a Dream
Who hasn’t had the fantasy of leaving his or her old life behind to start over? What would happen if you gave up your job and routine to move to Paris? Writer and aspiring painter James Morgan does just that and lives to tell about it in his new book “Chasing Matisse.” Continue reading “Chasing Matisse and a Dream”
French Fashion Exposed
Visitors to the French capital looking to learn about Paris fashion are in for a real treat this year. This summer, there is an exceptional amount of style exhibitions on view for every taste and style. Moreover, each and every show tells a fascinating story about a different fashion icon. Continue reading “French Fashion Exposed”
Parisian Soul-Blues Diva Janice deRosa
La Vie en la deRosa
“Life doesn’t come with a guarantee tag,” says Janice deRosa, smiling slyly as she takes another pull off of a slender brown cigarette, “ya know?” Continue reading “Parisian Soul-Blues Diva Janice deRosa”
Activist Photographer Fazal Sheikh
Fazal Sheikh’s photographs have been described as being “like a lesson in contemporary history…both political and poetic.” His two photo essays “Moksha” and “Ladli” at the Fondation Cartier-Bresson are dramatic testimonials revealing the conditions experienced by some women in India. Continue reading “Activist Photographer Fazal Sheikh”
Parisvoice Archives
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1998
Paris 17th district
Of all the 8 new arrondissements incorporated into Paris in January 1860 (13th to 20th), the 17th is Baron Haussmann’s creation par excellence; for, despite the ‘deep chasm’ that seprated north from west, no arrodissement was as true to the new middle-class spirit of the Second Empire (and later the Third Republic) or promoted the values it stood for to the same degree. Continue reading “Paris 17th district”
Storming the Bastille
Discovering the 11th district In 1976 the painter Dominique Thiolet settled in a new studio at 5 rue de Charonne, ushering in a new era for the 11th arrondissement. The arrival of other artists in the southern section of the arrondissement around the Bastille and the renovation of the area were the first step of an overall process of gentrification of eastern Paris. Continue reading “Storming the Bastille”
The Goutte-d’Or
A tiny patch of Africa transplanted to Paris, the Goutte-d’Or is one of the last remnants of genuine working-class village life in Paris. Despite desperate struggles by local associations to rescue it from the hands of technocrats determined to “clean up” the area, demolition has already begun and the usual characterless buildings of our times are cropping up, notably the new police station, easily distinguishable by its tricolored flag. Continue reading “The Goutte-d’Or”
Home Exchanges for France
An alternative to renting is to exchange your home abroad with one in France. This way you can experience home living in France for a relatively small cost and may save yourself the expense of a long-term rental. Although there’s an element of risk involved in exchanging your home with another family, most agencies thoroughly vet clients and many have a track record of successful swaps (a recent UK Consumers’ Continue reading “Home Exchanges for France”