Paris Update Art Notes
THE PERFECT ESCAPE
The Château de Chamarande and a London plane tree that is approaching its 150th birthday.
The Domaine de Chamarande is a rare place: a handsome 17th-century château that is easily accessible from Paris, holds regular exhibitions of contemporary art and has extensive grounds with ponds and canals (and even some hammocks) – all open to the public for free. The current exhibition in the château, which I recommend, is “Vues: Paysages d’Aujourd’hui d’après Hubert Robert” (through March 30). It begins with a view of Chamarande by Robert (1733-1808), known for his fantastical landscapes. In this case, he depicted the château realistically but added some imaginary mountains to jazz up the background. This work is followed by
“Maison Innondé 4” (2010), by Claire Tabouret
landscapes by 15 contemporary artists that similarly mix the real and the invented. A more conceptual show, by artist-in-residence Kôichi Kurita, on the theme of landscape, terroir and travel, is being held in the château’s Orangerie. To get to Chamarande from Paris, take the RER C to the Chamarande stop. The château is a short walk from the station. It’s the perfect escape from the city during our current spell of sunny spring weather. Heidi Ellison
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