A legalized art squat in Paris would make most museums envious of its success: 59 Rivoli.
Alternative Art Culture Impressing General Public
Sometimes alternative culture and big audiences find a meeting point, and this is the case: the well-known artists' squat in the heart of the city of Paris is back and going at full speed.
In 1999, when the so-called KGB ( a trio composed by three artists: Kalex, Gaspard and Bruno) occupied this building left abandoned by the bank Crédit Lyonnais, on Rue de Rivoli, they could not imagine it was to become one of the most popular art spots in the whole French country. But it did.
The squat, at first named "Chez Robert, életron libre", was closed in 2006 by the municipal government, in order to be restored and secured. It re-opened in September 2009, this time legally charged by Paris City Hall. Despite the loss of the guilty pleasure visitors might feel while going illicit, the new "Aftersquat" (as it is now called) keeps attracting thousands of people.
Hidden Treasure On Rue De Rivoli
Walking down the rue Rivoli, it is almost impossible to miss this white, weirdly decorated, multifloor palace. Its wide open door welcomes passers-by in. Some artists would be probably sitting back at the entrance, talking to guests or just enjoying a cigarette break, as an extra attraction.
At a glance, everything seems worthy a visit, and at least, it's all free!
A big spiral staircase rises up to all six floors. Writings on steps and wall drawings might recall underground clichés, but the general atmosphere is unexpectedly neat and tidy, showing how well-functioning the whole system is.
Revolutionary Approach, Same Old Secret Recipe
The successful formula is nothing new: great intentions, willpower and the necessary courage to put oneself to test. This is what everyone provides here.
The resident artists – yes, they live, work and exhibit here – apply the open studio policy, regardless the discipline they practise (sculpture, painting, installation, photography...); this means that every visitor may witness a phase of their work, discuss with them about it and solve any personal doubt on the subject.
Since the very beginning, the revolutionary mission pursued by this self-managed community is to offer the artists a place to live in, but moreover a place to show their artworks, outside of the immobile and static system led by galleries.
The result is a new radical setting for the traditional roles of the maker and the observer - kept at a certain distance from one another in everyday market rules. Here, they take part in on-ground direct contact, and enrich themselves in knowledge and experience.
An Open Dialogue, An International Community, A Valuable Chance
The artists' community gathered at the Aftersquat also constitutes a fertile soil for lively cultural exchange, drawing on the different backgrounds these artists (most of whom are not French) carry with them.
"59 Rivoli" represents a honest attempt to create the alternative and liberal dimension the art world ought to be: loyal to the purest intentions and the most genuine ideals to keep all external wretched interferences at the door.
This is important. This deserves your attention.
- 59, Rue de Rivoli (Paris 1er)http://www.suite101.com/functions/article/edit.cfm/10001023
- Metro station: Châtelet
- Tuesday – Sunday: from 1pm to 8pm
- On Saturday: from 11am to 8pm
Cristiana Bedei - After graduating (BA, 1st Hons) in History of Art at the University of Siena (Italy), I moved to London and since then have been ...
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