Palais de Tokyo
The Palais de Tokyo, Europe’s largest contemporary arts center, re-opened last month after a ten-month renovation and I cannot say enough about this place. After 8 months of photography school, this was such a refreshing experience. In school you are taught the rules – elements of composition, content, what makes a good photograph, etc. Of course these things are important but sometimes they can act as a restraint. It’s easy to get stuck inside the box, thinking about the rules and who will buy your photograph instead of creating for yourself and doing what you want because it’s what you feel.
There are no rules inside the Palais de Tokyo. It’s a place that begs the question, “What is art?” And it seems to answer that question as anything created following these two steps: 1) Self-exploration, and 2) Self-expression. There’s painting, photography, installation, video, mixed media, collage, neon art, flower arrangements, and even live birds. This is art created for the sake of creating. Created for the artist and not the critic, buyer, or collector – pure.
Anyone in need of inspiration should explore the Palais de Tokyo. It is 150,000 square feet of unrestrained creativity and imagination and a totally freeing experience.
Palais de Tokyo
13 Avenue du Président Wilson
75116 Paris
Open everyday except Tuesday, 12pm-12am
Photos by Kaitlin Rebesco
