Soicher Marin Says

What makes an original? Is it a point of view? Is it a way of life or a manner of thinking? Perhaps it’s all of the above. In looking back on millenia of invention and innovation, how can anyone claim originality without at least tipping one’s hat  at the source? Perhaps inspiration, not plagiarism is the true measure of originality in the post modern world. Through borrowing and interpreting, we are party to the genius of reworking concepts and revisiting ideas that made it. Ideas that succeeded. With every iteration and reformation of those ideas, we have an opportunity of imbuing them with a contemporary world view. Seen through the eyes of a 21st Century creator, a work of art or design brought back to life can reacquaint us with a grand past. At the same time, that new work can deliver a useful jolt to the senses with surprise and whimsy: something our  ancestors may have lacked, due to the serious work of inventing something from scratch. Then again, those seeking true, unfettered originality have a much higher bar set for them. Their litmus test is immediate and unforgiving.

In the visual world of art, unlike musical arts, the parameters of what makes art “art” seem much less stringent. For instance, if Jackson Pollack had been a composer rather than a painter, how many recordings would he have sold? If the chords struck by his orchestra were streaked, dissonant sounds booming across a vast hall, piercing wails and shrieking violins assailing the masses seated: how long would concert goers sit for a recital before the dissonance overwhelmed them? Yet, Pollack’s truly original, dissonant, screaming paintings created their own movement and disciples. These disciples whether real or affecting understanding revered him as a demigod. His bar, compared to that of a musician seems in hindsight, quite low. His contemporaries had no such forgiveness. Even the modernists in music corralled themselves into something that had a lyrical, traditional western nature. Pollack may have offended some, but others embraced him. Pollack the musical genius might easily have offended all.  So it is that we risk to create new ideas and make them ours knowing that it’s probably been done before. To be truly original may be impossible this late in the game. There are those that are satisfied to be too literal and hope not to get caught. Speech writers and politicians are notable examples. Between the literal plagiarist and the inspired “borrower”, lies the true genius. He is the ultimate recycler. The recycler of beauty, with his own unique point of view. He creates magic in new worlds for fresh, hungry eyes. -EM

Paris is one of those magical places that invites the hedonist to take part in an endless dance of tastes, visual splendor and sensory overload. As cliche as it sounds, around every corner is the potential for a beautiful picture or a splendid meal. I suppose Paris, in February is my favorite time: it’s cold, fashion week is either ramping up or winding down, my favorite eateries are relatively available (for Paris anyway) and the museums are empty of the usual clamor of shuffling feet. A particular treat this time was a visit to the Petit Palais. I confess, this is a spot that I’ve ignored for 30-plus years of travel to Paris. What a treat! Not only was it free, it provided unusual access to masterworks that you’d otherwise have to peer at from a distance at Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre or other more popular spot. The gardens and sculptures therein are worth the time. The Louis XV Hall is a rare treat without making the trek to Versaille. Next week I will share some of our favorite little spots to eat. Most are the in 7th which is a quiet and lovely residential district. The cafes, bars and small restaurants are very local in

nature but world class in quality. Until then. EM

Paris Door

Fence

Awning Standard

Floor at Kenzo

Floor at Kenzo II