another man’s treasure
Newsletter 02.12.23
Bienvenue and welcome back to Musée Musings your idiosyncratic guide to Paris and art. This week, despite the strikes and the rainy weather, I had work to do, I had art to see. Some of it on the streets (Louis Vuitton boutiques), some of it in the stores (Louis Vuitton again and Le Bon Marché through 19 February) and some of it, both street art and high art, in exhibition spaces and museums (Espace Voltaire & Hotel de la Marine).
Today it’s Le Bon Marché’s turn. Click here to read my article about it. Ever since I stumbled upon their annual January White Sale exhibition in 2016, when the windows and grand central space were taken over by Ai Wei Wei, I haven’t missed one of these annual exhibitions. This year’s artist is Subodh Gupta. (Figures 1, 2, 3) He has exhibition at the GalleriaContinua up now and if you’re in Paris, you should try to get to Les Moulins to see it. The hour drive from Paris by car (or 90 minutes by public transport) is well worth the trip.
Figure 1. Sangam, Subodh Gupta, Le Bon Marché
Figure 2. Gupta’s hanging pots and pans, Sangam, Subodh Gupta, Le Bon Marché
Figure 3. Sangam I, Subodh Gupta, Le Bon Marché
After immersing myself all things Gupta at Le Bon Marché, I sought sustenance at the Rose Café (2nd floor) for a much needed hit of something sweet. I decided on a slice of poppyseed cheesecake. (Figure 4) I had never thought of poppies and cheesecake. But the taste was quite pleasing, similar to halvah, which I happen to like very much. With my cheesecake I ordered Ginger Pepper tea. (Figure 5) Which was exactly what it said it was, slices of ginger and grindings of pepper. Definitely something to try at home! When I want to relax and take my time, I always order tea. It usually costs the same as coffee (sometimes a little more) but you get at least a couple cups. And I have never met a waiter so churlish as to refuse to bring me another cup of hot water if I really want to prolong my afternoon pause.
Figure 4. Poppyseed Cheesecake, Rose Café, Le Bon Marché
Figure 5. Ginger tea, Rose Café, Le Bon Marché
About last week. The confluence of Christ’s Presentation in the Temple and Chandeleur with Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil was one I didn’t see coming. Who knew that investigative reporting could be so exciting! Don’t get too caught up in the hype, but if you have a honey handy, enjoy Valentine’s Day. If not, Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter, Goop, has a lot of suggestions for self love!
Gros Bisous! Dr. B.
Click here to read this week’s article: Trash or Treasure? Subodh Gupta at Bon Marché
Readers Comments on last week’s musings, for which I am always so grateful. Merci!
Wow!! An intellectual tour de force. Only you could weave together contemporary French pastry with very obscure (e.g. second full moon following the winter solstice) 5th century history. A hoot! John, N California
Hi Beverly — Great and witty article today -- after the trauma of the ID theft found some resolution. I'm glad you were able to get the Verizon portion handled.The cakes, crepes, etc. conversation was fantastic. I will say that the Figure #5 Byzantine image, which reminded me of "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" with its small adult-looking baby Jesus, was disconcerting, but the painting by Andre Mantegna was downright creepy. I'll have to ask Joe if they are related ancestrally. Have a good week. I understand we have two strikes -- one Tuesday and one Saturday! Erin, Paris
Beverly-Elated that you resolved your dispute with VERIZON. But still alarming to read that the embassy in Paris is of little, or no help , in situations such as yours. Great that so may of your readers reached out and that the FTC was quite helpful. Back to searching for a 3D printer that can create food offerings based on your food photos. BTW, with all the scenes of him eating in the travel videos I wonder how Rick Steves maintains his weight….one meal @ day., Bill, Ohio
Click here to read this week’s article: Trash or Treasure? Subodh Gupta at Bon Marché