The creator of the controversial artwork says it should be « restored or demolished »…

photo (c) french irish

In 1985, to replace a car park in the courtyard of Palais Royal (just next to the Louvre), the State commissioned Daniel Buren to create one of his signature striped pieces of art. The installation, « Les Deux Plateaux » opened the following, and divided opinion. Covering 3,0000m2, the 260 white marble columns with black stripes at various different levels have grills that allow one to see strips of running water at a lower level, with the whole thing being illuminated green at night.

Well, it used to be.

The water stopped running seven years ago, and the lighting no longer works either. The columns are starting to crumble, despite being recently polished (« a complete waste of time » according to the artist). Now Daniel Buren has gone to the press, creating a mini-scandal in the process. He says that the restoration work has been budgeted and promised several times by the Ministry, and yet nothing has been done. Plus, he says that the piece is « 50% destroyed… half of my work has been ruined ». Not only is he threatening to sue the State, but he might even have a case!

In French law, artists have the right have the ‘integrity’ of their work respected, meaning that they can oppose the modification or mutilation of their piece. Previous cases have already resulted in the authorities being obliged to repair damaged works of art.

And it seems that going public with his woes may have worked for Buren; parts of Palais Royal are due for restoration between 2009 and 2011, and the Ministry of Culture says money has already been put aside for restoring the columns. However, as this isn’t the first time that such a promise has been made, Buren isn’t holding his breath. Patrick Bouchain, the architect that actually constructed the columns for him, says « it’s just stalling tactics, saying that other work is necessary first. There’s no reason they can’t just restore it now ».

I guess we’ll know who was right in a few years’ time.

Here’s a Google map of the columns seen from above. If you’re going to the Louvre, pop in and see them; they’re a great photo op!

Bigger map here