Takashi Murakami, 'Flower Matango', 2001-2006, installation view, Versailles
The opening of Takashi Murakami’s retrospective at the Chateau of Versailles has been met with protests by concerned French traditionalists resistant to the exhibition of contemporary art in Versailles. The Versailles Defence Coordination and Versailles Mon Amour have created a petition containing over 11,000 signatures berating the Chateau for allowing such a ‘clash of cultures’.
Takashi Murakami, 'Tongai-Kun (Mr Pointy)', installation view, Versailles
Of course the disconnect between location and exhibition is intentional. It encourages typical Versailles visitors to view art they might not otherwise see and introduces contemporary art enthusiasts to a location they might not otherwise visit. Leg of Lamb reckons it’s a win win situation.
Takashi Murakami's 'Oval Buddha' installed in the Versailles Palace Gardens
Murakami Versailles, Chateau of Versailles, Place d’Armes, until 12 December 2010.
Love it – was there a petition for the Koons too?
Pingback: Traditionalists win at Versailles | Leg of Lamb