Daniel Buren lights up the Marais with Rougier&Plé !

A New Work by Daniel Buren Lights Up the Marais: Rougier&Plé Celebrates 170 Years in Style

In September 2024, the historic Marais district in Paris will be marked by the installation of a unique artwork, born from the collaboration between the iconic Rougier&Plé brand and internationally renowned artist Daniel Buren. This installation, an entirely new façade for the brand’s historic building located at 13-15 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, celebrates both Rougier&Plé’s 170th anniversary and Buren’s artistic contribution, symbolizing the renewal of urban spaces through contemporary art. In conjunction with this event, Museum TV will air a special episode of Art News - Daniel Buren & Rougié&Plé, featuring an exclusive interview with Daniel Buren. Let's dive into the details of this artwork, its context, the gallery hosting it, and the forthcoming TV feature.

A Site-Specific Work by Daniel Buren

Known for his site-specific installations that transform spaces through form and color, Daniel Buren has created a new façade in perfect harmony with the history and architecture of the building. The project, titled In Situ, uses Buren’s signature "visual tool," applying vertical alternating white and colored stripes, each 8.7 cm wide. These stripes are thoughtfully juxtaposed with vibrant windows, creating a subtle yet lively transformation of the space.

Buren, who is renowned for his ability to play with the boundaries of architecture and urbanism, explains that his work is meant to transform spaces while interacting with their surroundings. "This transformation of the welcoming space can be done for the space, against the space, or in harmony with it," he explains. In this case, the transformation is in perfect harmony, creating a visual dialogue that engages passersby while seamlessly blending into the architectural rhythm of the Marais district.

Context: 170 Years of Rougier&Plé

The choice of Rougier&Plé to host such a monumental work is far from coincidental. Since its founding in 1854, the Parisian company has been a key player in the world of fine arts and creative hobbies. Its iconic building on Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, located next to the renowned Cirque d'Hiver, is not only a landmark for artists and creators but also deeply rooted in the history of Paris.

By commissioning Daniel Buren to redesign its façade, Rougier&Plé continues its longstanding commitment to art and creativity. In Situ is a way for the company to honor its heritage while looking towards the future. It also reinforces the historical and cultural ties between the location and the surrounding neighborhood, particularly through the artistic exchange between Rougier&Plé and the Cirque d'Hiver, whose colorful and dynamic architecture finds a natural echo in Buren’s work.

An Open-Air Gallery in the Heart of the Marais

Buren’s project fits within the tradition of public art, transforming the street into an open-air gallery. Visible to all, the installation serves as an invitation to reflect on the relationship between art and public spaces. By adorning a building that is both a commercial space and a historic monument, Buren creates a dialogue between the past and modernity, between everyday functionality and aesthetic contemplation.

The Marais district, known for its rich heritage and avant-garde spirit, proves to be the perfect backdrop for this work. Located between Place de la République and Place de la Bastille, this project integrates seamlessly into the ongoing urban renewal efforts, attracting thousands of visitors and creators each year. By revitalizing the Rougier&Plé façade, Buren contributes to the reinvention of the neighborhood, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.

An Exclusive Feature on Museum TV

To accompany the unveiling of this new artwork, Museum TV will air a special episode of Art News -  Daniel Buren and Rougié&Plé, featuring an exclusive interview with Daniel Buren. In this rare opportunity, viewers will gain insights into Buren’s creative process, his inspirations, and the story behind this particular project. The interview will allow a deeper understanding of his work and the challenges of site-specific art.

The episode will also delve into the rich history of Rougier&Plé, showing how the company has maintained its strong connection to the world of fine arts over the decades while adapting to new trends and forms of creative expression.

Conclusion

Daniel Buren’s new façade for Rougier&Plé is much more than just an artwork; it reflects a meeting between a historic company, a world-renowned artist, and a district with a rich and diverse past. This project showcases an important chapter in contemporary art and Parisian architecture, demonstrating that public art, when conceived with depth and intelligence, can truly transform how we perceive our everyday surroundings. Starting on September 19, 2024, the public is invited to discover this new masterpiece, and don't miss the Art News feature on Museum TV for a deeper dive into Daniel Buren’s world.