More Contemporary Art: Daniel Buren 2015/Umbria Travel

  What a treat. A few weeks ago, Janelle and I took an overnight trip to San Gimignano, in Tuscany. We had been here only once before, in 2004 with Janelle's parents. 

  It's an easy drive from where we stay, long but beautiful. 

  Most people know San Gimignano for it's 14 remaining towers.

A few of the towers left after many battles.

  Always researching for places to see contemporary art throughout our area, I found that there is an international gallery in the historic center of S.G. 

  Of course we had to make the trip, especially with a current exhibition of Daniel Buren works.

GalleriaContinua on the left.

  This gallery represents some true Art Stars, and has sister spaces in Bejing and Les Moulins, also. 

  What a great gift to have one here, so close.

  The draw for me was Daniel Buren. (please take time to visit this link for more visual eye candy)

  Buren is most known for his installation in Paris, a work in situ at the Cour d'Honneur on the grounds of the Palais Royal. That same year he won the "Golden Lion" at the Venice Biennale.

"Les Deux Palteaux"(1985-1986)

  I wanted to show that thematically, there is a thread in an artist's "life work".

  Here is a perfect example of how an artist changes and moves through his life, and develops a distinctive style that is an expression of his growing maturity.

  There were some early works on display, to contrast with the more recent work showing.

  

Here you can see the beginnings of the "stripes"
Buren is so well known for.

What great visual contrast, and just great painting.

  Next we moved into several rooms that featured works that are multi layered, and play with color and shadow, as well as space itself.
  These small pieces are works from 2015.

  The gallery space is beautiful, as you can see. It's actually an old theatre transformed.

  Since we had never been to this gallery before, we were happily amazed walking into the next space.
  Into the installation itself.

Looking from the theatre balcony, toward the stage.

  The beautiful harmony of the old and new. 

  The old theatre itself now becomes an integral part of the work, as you walk and climb through the various levels, experiencing the space and viewing it all from many perspectives. 

  Janelle loves art that is interactive. It's great fun for us both.

Looking from the stage out.

  At first, all you see is the amazing installation.

  Walking through the many levels you become aware of yet another visual level.

Surprise "windows" of color courtesy of Sol LeWitt.

       

  We spent a good amount of time climbing through the installation. Janelle liked the sound of it all. It was scaffolding, so it made some big noise.

  Next we walked through a room of larger multi layered works, similar to the small pieces we had seen earlier.

  Janelle made a video here.

  Continuing on through this lovely space, one can imagine the past history and all the enjoyment that must have been experienced through the years in this gorgeous old theatre.

  What a nice way to honor this classic beauty of a building.

Timeless.

And now, lunchtime.

 Now we will have yet another art space to visit through the years.
  Can't wait to see what will be here next year.

  GALLERIACONTINUA