Chinese Artists in Paris

Writers, artists, designers, foodies and your average francophile are drawn to Paris by one thing-  Inspiration. There is something about the city that is deemed a mecca of inspiration for the creatives, and it has always been the case. In some cases , destination Paris was a result of political and social circumstances forcing people to seek out refuge in a democratic, liberal country that not only allowed but encouraged their creativity. Chinese artists made their way to Paris in the early 1900s, with the formation of the Franco-Chinese Education Society in 1915 and establishment of the Franco-Chinese Institute in Lyon in 1921, encouraging further influx. The current exhibit at Musée Cernuschi was refreshing in that it revealed artists that not only drew inspiration from the city, but worked that inspiration around the art forms that were familiar to them, lithographs, ink on paper and silk as canvas.

The Exhibit is currently on until December. Take in the permanent exhibition while you're there - Musée Cernuchi is an Asian Arts Museum and has a large collection of art and artefacts, most notably the large Japanese Buddha bronze  on the first floor. It is not just the paintings and sculptures in the museum to see, venture a bit beyond to Parc Monceau and you can see the gorgeous sculptures that are part of the exhibit in the garden.

We went on Sunday and this coincided with the Fête des Jardins - I guess the city is getting the most out of the Autumn weather before the weather gets too cold for any more festivals. This one celebrated the outdoors and is themed "une saison sous les arbres"- a season under the trees. It was the perfect day to be out - and an added surprise was all the weddings going on - we must have counted no fewer than six wedding parties making use of the park scenery for wedding photos.

Musée Cernuschi
7 Avenue Velasquez
750008, Paris

Parc Monceau

More pictures here.

The Japanese Buddha bronze on the first floor 

Taken outside the Museum

 The following were taken in Parc Monceau - they are part of the exhibition currently on.