This summer in Paris, I came upon an otherworldly creation in the Grand Palais. It hummed and rattled, stretching its web-like tendrils across the Art Nouveau hall.
Installation entitled Nossa Barco Tambor Terra in the newly restored Nave of the Grand Palais. Photo: Adriana Barton
Inside this membrane-like organism, kids and adults beat drums, sounded bells, and shook seed-filled gourds entangled in its strands.
Inside Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto’s monumental work of crochet. Photo : Adriana Barton
Pouches of turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon added wafts of fragrance to the monumental work of crochet. Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto called it Nossa Barco Tambor Terra (Our Boat Drum Land).
Was it a hippie spaceship? A metaphor for the web of life?
Neto described it as a “dance” — an invitation to thrum our way back to the primordial rhythms within us.
From what I could see, visitors were entranced. This Grand Palais event has ended, but you can see more of Neto’s remarkable installation in this ArchDaily post.
In keeping with the Brazilian theme, here is a song — “Figa de Guiné” — that my 17-year-old texted to me. This tune is as lovely as the singer, Mariana Froes.
I could definitely use more Brazilian vibes in my daily life. How about you?