A colorfull day in Paris by Esprit de France

The current exhibition of the Fondation Cartier opens with a life-size architectural installation by Freddy Mamani. It is a very extravagant and stunning entry that asserts with great force and insolence its colourful and geometrical character because Géométrie Sud strives to show the geometric constant that characterizes many works of South American art. As a matter of fact, Mamani began to develop his unique architecture in El Alto, a town perched at some 4200 m altitude on the Bolivian altiplano and thus helped give an original identity to the culture of the Andes. His work at the Fondation Cartier, is followed by Solano Benitez and Gloria Cabral’s architectural construction. These two Paraguayan architects, winners of the Golden Lion at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, have created a sort of 15-meter long and 6-meter high house of cards. There is something magical about this work based on rhythmic construction and on the play of light and shadow. But architects are not the only ones to handle geometry. In addition to their work, we can see the aerial and delicate 3-D net-like sculptures by the Venezuelan Geco, while in the basement of the foundation, pieces of folk art bear witness to this very ancient link with geometry: ceramics, Indian body paints, textiles… Discipline and fantasy, brightness and energy will all come to mind while exploring this fascinating mix of Latin American culture!

On the right bank, following the sales’season in the Boulevard Haussmann department stores, a surprise awaits you at the Printemps, which will offer you a pleasant moment of relaxation. Set up after Girafe -at the Cité de l'Architecture-, Perruche is the other current hot-spot to enjoy. This rooftop at the top of Printemps offers an all-round view onto the monuments of Paris: Sacré Coeur, Opera or the Eiffel Tower are here your close neighbours. Perruche’s open space conjures up a soothing atmosphère and the impression of being in a hanging garden. Perfect for lunch, cocktails, admiring the best sunsets and simply unwinding. Top-quality produce and fabulous wines make up the delightful cuisine served in green oasis in the sky and the casual ambience it generates.