Le Bristol’s Sublime Summer: Art Exhibition by Bertrand Lavier

Le Bristol Paris commissions Bertrand Lavier and Walt Disney Productions with an eclectic exhibition by Bertrand Lavier Le Bristol– the legendary palace hotel on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré– is very art-centric, not only in its decor, restaurants, public and private salons, but also in the landscaped gardens and glamorous suites. Following on very popular garden exhibitions (featuring two internationally renowned artists, Daniel Buren and Ugo Rondinone, in 2016 and 2017), the luxury hotel commissioned gallerist Kamel Mennour, giving him carte blanche to create a project for this third sunny summer collaboration. So Monsieur Mennour invited French artist Bertrand Lavier to plant his universe in the tranquil setting of the hotel gardens and in the prestigious Paris suite (from €11,000 per night, including breakfast)– the jewel in the crown of the awesome Oetker Collection. Bertrand Lavier’s Bristol Paris project, “Walt Disney Productions 1947-2019,” is part of a concept Lavier began in 1984 making life-size replicas for paintings or sculptures of Disney artwork from a comic strip in “The Diary of Mickey” published in 1977. In this strip, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are adorably depicted scampering through a colorful modern art gallery. In the abstract style of post-war modern art, by isolating and painting the two mice, Lavier gives this fictional work an important artistic reality. Today, the art gallery where M & M are let loose would definitely be the iconic Kamel Mennour Gallery. The eponymous owner, a tall elegant art guru whose must-attend gallery is a magnet for lovers of exceptional contemporary art, represents Bernard Lavier, as well as Daniel Buren, Claude Lévêque, and Anish Kapoor. At Le Bristol, Bertrand Lavier’s “Mickey” inspired sculptures are showcased in the hotel’s zen Jardin Français. Pop in to admire them; champagne from the Le Bar Bristol goes down a treat, and you can also dine at L’Epicure overlooking the sculptures. The art continues in the spacious sixth floor living room of the magnificent Suite Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as backdrop. Here’s where the artist skillfully and discreetly transforms the elegant classic decor into a veritable poetic, artistic and modern bubble. And, by the way, all the works are for sale! See you there! Until May 25th, 2019. Le Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 8th Bertrand Lavier Solo Show until the 25th of May, 2019 at Kamel Mennour, 47 rue Saint-Andre-des-Arts, Paris 6th.