Pinacotheque

The Pinacotheque De Paris makes for an interesting exhibit space near the Madeleine just north of the Place De La Concorde (home to the 3,300 year old Egyptian obelisk). I am not sure how much I like it. This was my first time to visit the museum and view its temporary exhibitions. We toured both the Jack Pollock and Georges Rouault. I had a terrible time in buying these tickets online and never did receive the confirmation. I also never heard any response to my emails from the museum. That said – they did have my reservations and quickly processed us through the door.

The Pollock exhibit was of his very early (and less popular) work. I had done my research and reading before seeing the show – my traveling colleagues had not and were somewhat disappointed. The show focuses on Pollock interest in the supernatural and Shamanism. If you love his drips and dribbles work – you might not enjoy this work as much. It is completely different and much more severe. The show is also riddled with American Indian artifacts – which many times out shined the artist’s own works. The Pinacotheque has a unique maze-like space for showing his works. I think it enhanced the experience but I am a little conflicted in my feelings. At the end of the exhibit you senses are treated to a couple of more familiar Pollock works! Just in time to send you out the door with a more favorable experience. No audio guide at the Pinacotheque or English titling makes viewing this show more difficult and less informative – meaning do you homework before you arrive.

The Georges Rouault exhibition was a completely surprising and favorable experience. The exhibit is made up of a private collection of Rouault’s works which have only been shown together one other time in 1990. Rouault became incredibly (and surprising) popular in Japan. Luckily – his works were purchased by a wealthy businessman who has agreed to keep the collection together. If you don’t know much about Rouault - take a few minutes to get acquainted with his works. I really enjoyed learning about the artist and seeing is work. While no audio guide is available for this show at the Pinacotheque – English subtitles are provided on each major section of the exhibit which makes for a good learning experience even if you don’t know anything about the artist.