Have animals escaped from the Ménagerie of the Jardin des Plantes to enjoy a walk? Be rest assured, these giant animals that just arrived to the Jardin des Plantes are not alive: they have been created by artist Michel Bassompierre, a sculptor mastering the art of depicting animals.
The Jardin des Plantes is spruced up with five monumental sculptures representing bears and gorillas. Called “Fragiles colosses” – Fragile Colossuses – this free open-air exhibition is to be enjoyed from April 30 to October 18, 2021.
They seem superpowerful, sitting here in this beautiful garden set in Paris 5th arrondissement. Animals sculpted by Bassompierre seem larger than life: their expressions, poses, silhouette make us feel like they are alive.
Bassompierre’s entire talent lays in these clean, delicate shapes, these mastered bodies, these modern materials creating strikingly real and beautiful works. But the sculptor has not only come to show his skills off.
The artist sets his bestiary as close to us as possible, making them all look impressive and strong… to show how fragile they also are better. This exhibition is a call for help, a reminder these magnificent creatures are endangered. The western Gorilla and the polar Bear could totally disappear from the wilderness in a close future. There are only a few Brown bears left in France.
The planet suffers from human activities and climate change. Forests and ice floes are challenged on a daily basis, destroyed almost every day, leaving thousands of species without their natural habitats. These giant animals, hard to ignore, stand as ambassadors, here to represent all animal and plant species endangered.
Do not miss an occasion to pay tribute to these magnificent colossuses shining in the Parisian sun.
Dates and Opening Time
From April 30, 2021 to October 18, 2021
Location
Plant Garden
Place Valhubert
75005 Paris 5
Prices
Free
Official website
www.mnhn.fr
