Grade 11

Trip to the Pompidou Centre, Metz

12th September 2014

Luxembourg Gare Train Departs
8.29
Arrive Metz 9.20
Pompidou group assignment
How do we respond to art?

9.45-10.45

Task 1 - Tour Simple Forms

11.00-12.00

Task 2 12.00-1.00
Lunch 1.00-1.30
Task 3 & 4 1.30-2.30
Dept Metz Gare 3.00
Arrive Luxembourg Gare
3.51

The years between the 19th and 20th centuries saw the return of quintessential (pure)
forms through major universal expositions which devised a new repertoire of shapes, the
simplicity of which would captivate artists and revolutionise the modern philosophy. They
introduced, within the evolution of modern art, both an alternative to the eloquence of the
human body and the possibility that shapes could be a universal concept.
Debates developed in physics, mathematics, phenomenology, biology and aesthetic had
important consequences on mechanics, industry, architecture and art in general. While
visiting the 1912 Salon de la Locomotion Arienne with Constantin Brancusi and Fernand
Lger, Marcel Duchamp stopped short before an aeroplane propeller and declared,
Painting is dead. Who could better this propeller?
These pared-down, non-geometric shapes, which occupy space in a constant progression,
are no less fascinating today. Minimalist artists such as Ellsworth Kelly and Richard Serra,
spiritualist artists such as Anish Kapoor, metaphysical artists such as Tony Smith, or poetic
artists such as Ernesto Neto are as attentive to simple shapes as were the inventors of
modernity.
The exhibition draws on the senses to explore the appearance of simple shapes in art,
nature and tools. This poetic approach is balanced by an analytical view of the twentieth
centurys history.
It connects scientific events and technical discoveries with the emergence of modern
shapes. Subjects pertaining to industry, mechanics, mathematics, physics, biology,
phenomenology and archaeology are equated with objects from art and architecture, which
are in turn set alongside their ancient predecessors and natural objects.

Task 1:- 11.00-12.00

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We will have a guided tour of the exhibition.

Observe, Take Notes, Listen.

The exhibition is divided up into sections be aware of the area which you are observing.
THERE IS A LOT TO LOOK AT!
On your pages include: page number and date of entry. Include drawing/images from the
exhibition along with text.
Cite the work seen - use this MLA format:Contributors their Last name, First name, Artwork Title, Collection Museum, Location, Year
created,
Eg:- Kapoor, Anish. Pregnant. 2009. Sculpture. Pompidou, Metz.

Task 2:- 12.00-1.00

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Pick one section of the exhibition that interest you

Choose two works from this section to observe
Analyse them individually, using a full A3 sheet.
o
Draw the pieces of work you have plenty of time so make this a detailed
sketch
o
Use the guiding questions to give a written response to the works

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From what you have discovered compare the two works. What are the similarities
and the differences?

Task 3:- 1.30-2.00

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Browse the rest of the exhibition spaces in the museum.

Take note of 5 other works which appeal to you;
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Cite the work, take a photo of it - NO FLASH.

Task 4:- 2.00 -2.30

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Choose one final piece of work from any part of the museum
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Draw it
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Produce a written response to it using relevant guiding questions.