Floods and Photography

Last weekend (Saturday Jan 30) I went to two temporary exhibitions in Paris - and they were both well worth the trip out into the cold when my preference is generally to stay inside with a cup of tea, a good book and a jigsaw puzzle.

These were two things I really wanted to see. For coworker/friend Paul and his wife, my friend, Sybil, these were things they wanted to see, too, but also they’ve been to all the ‘A-list’ museums in Paris, and B-list...they think they’re down to E-list now.

Anyway.

First was Izis : Paris des Rêves. The website is very good, albeit with a lot of flash, as it includes a sampling of the photos.

Israëlis Bidermanas (1911–1980) was Lithuanian, but spent most of his life in Paris. He is known for his more ‘humanist’ photographs, as well as those of circuses and of resistance fighters. ‘Paris of Dreams’ is the title of his first book. In 1950 he joined the staff of Paris Match, and worked for that magazine for 20 years. He also was chosen by Chagall to photograph Chagall’s work / creation of the ceiling of the Paris Opera.

What I liked about this exhibition ...

Izis did a series of photos in London at the time of QEII’s coronation. The difference between the London scenes and Paris scenes is evident, but I cannot find the words to describe it - I just know that the two cities looked/felt different - does that make sense?

The photos were just simple, yet artistic, and showed everyday life - often with either a humorous or sad undertone. He captured expressions, body language, and landscape. I’m not sure if the photos were more powerful because they were all black and white?

He also photographed men fishing along the Seine ; one line from the audio guide said that ‘a fishing rod is like a do not disturb sign.’ I’d never thought of it that way before, but it is so accurate.

At the Hôtel de Ville

From 20 Jan to 29 May 2010

Every day, 10h - 19h, except Sundays and holidays

Admission free ; 5 € for audio guide (and it is a good one)

After lunch we ventured over to the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris for : Paris Inonde 1910.

Wow.

In January 1910, Paris had a huge flood. The website is very good and the ‘carte interactive’ is great. I cannot remember specifically, but it was a result of melting snow, more snow and rain ; plus there were not the dams and water control in place that there is now. The high water lasted from end Jan to beginning March, with the extreme height from 21-28 Jan ; and then clean-up commenced.

The water came to the base of most all the bridges, and spilled into the city. I just cannot imagine what it was like : January, cold, dark. No heat, no lights, no running water.

Galerie des bibliothèques - Ville de Paris

22, rue Malher, 75004

Tues- Sun, 13h to 19h ; Thursdays until 21h

4€ entry