Written by Katarina Jansdottir

For the Monumenta 2012 installation, the Grand Palais in Paris invited Daniel Buren. Born in 1938 in a Parisian suburb, the artist is mostly known for his intervention pieces that explore the space they are created in. In the Grand Palais he makes full use of the giant nave. Circular plexiglass glazings in primary colours are spread around the vast space with visitors to walking among them.

The mighty glass roof of the Beaux-Arts building lets in sunlight during daytime, while artificial lighting is used during night, bringing the work to life. In the middle there are mirrors placed on the floor, further opening up the space. Previous artists who have participated in Monumenta include Anselm Kiefer, Richard Serra and Anish Kapoor.

Daniel Buren’s Excentrique(s) is on at the Grand Palais until June 21.