Homage to enigmatic sculptor Etienne-Martin in the Pompidou

Posted by paris | paris | Tuesday 31 August 2010 10:33 am

Etienne-Martin, born in Loriol in 1913 is one of the key sculptors in French art. Member of the School of Fine Arts in Lyon, he arrived in Paris in 1934, and working in the Charles Ranson Malfray´s studio at the Academy, where he befriended painters like Roger Bissiere, Jean Le Moal, Jean Bertholle, Alfred Manessier, Zelman, Vera Pagava and sculptor François Stahly. Along with them formed the group “Témoignage” and make its first samples in the French capital.

Exhibition-Etienne-Martin-Pompidou

In 1972, the famous curator Harald Szeemann made him one of the key artists of the selection “Mythologies individuelles (Individual Mythologies) which was exhibited in Documenta 5 in Kassel in the same year.

The exhibition which is now at the Pompidou, contains about fifteen major sculptures from the center´s collection, as well as a selection of drawings, diagrams, configurations, and dreams based on his house in Loriol. Martin recognized the fundamental base and context that his life gave him; such experiences were raw material for his work.

You can view a selection of archives belonging to the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, photographs of his legendary street workshop in Pot-de-Fer.

He is well known since the1960´s for his “Demeures” series, strange sculptures designed to be visited and explored “in imagination” by the viewer. His work is marked by quest to make his works a participative space.

One of his most famous works, “Manteau” (Wrap, 1962), is first fabric sculpture in the history of modern art to receive canonic recognition will be at the exhibit for the enjoyment of all who spend their vacations renting apartments in Paris.

The Pompidou Center also maintains other key works of the sculptor, like La Nuit ouvrante (1945-1955), Le Grand Couple (1946), the PASSEMENTERIE (1949), Le Manteau (1962), Le Mur-Miroir (1979), plus an important group of drawings representing his childhood home.

A recent donation came presents three new sculptures, including the surprising Dessin fil de fer, 1960, Le Mur-Verseau 1982-1983 and one of his latest works, L’Ancre (1995).

Etienne-Martin was a key figure in the world of Parisian art until his death in 1995. Pass by the Pompidou until September 13 to see the beauty produced by this mysterious man.

Erotic Massage: The ancient practice of loving touch

Posted by paris | paris | Thursday 26 August 2010 10:33 am

Erotic massages have been described in ancestral amatory texts for a very long time. Massage relieves muscle tension, meaning we feel better about our bodies and more relaxed. Erotic or sensual massage has added benefits, whether we are giving one or receiving one from a partner. In addition to making us feel a thousand and one pleasant sensations, we ( and our imaginations!) can get carried away by the stimulation. If massage in general is a treat, especially for the muscles, erotic massage is a treat for all the senses, especially the nerve endings in the skin.

Erotic Massage

The love and dedication that can be expressed through a simple touch of the hands is huge turn-on. One of the main objectives of erotic massage is to provide the opportunity to discover what gives pleasure to your partner and build trust between partners. It should be done with a completely open mind. When giving or receiving an erotic massage, one may surprised to feel as excited as sensitive parts of our body are caressed and we discover erogenous zones we never even dreamed of.

Though touch, you can discover your partner’s body. And through these games you can freely express your wishes and preferences, making your partner know what you like, and the zones that drive you wild.

Here are a few tips for a great erotic massage experience:

- Find a quiet space with an agreeable temperature
- You should not be rushed: take the time to enjoy and explore emerging feelings.
- Scented candles, sexy music, and dim lighting will help make the space a special place …
- The first friction should be very mild or barely noticeable. Then begin to increase the intensity. Start at the back, and continue over the neck, arms, legs and scalp.
- Begin by gently placing your hands flat on your partner’s the back and sliding them slowly across their back and spine, trying to ease out areas where you find tension.
- Maintain a regular pace between movements, as if they were part of a chain.
- Apply oils or creams which are quickly absorbed and have a pleasant smell and little or no taste.
-When things start heating up, turn to soft kissing, discover every corner of your partner’s skin while you continue your caresses and affection.
-An erotic massage is great event in and of itself whether it ends in orgasm or not. It is an act that some couples enjoy in a special way, since it is an opportunity to focus on giving and receiving. It is a great way for the two partners to excite each other and become more intimate.
- Communication is essential between partners, and the goal is to look for sensations that are mutually pleasurable. Have confidence when you express what you like to do and similarly, what is not as pleasurable for you. Why not rent apartments in Paris and explore every inch of your partner?

Haunted places

Posted by paris | paris | Tuesday 24 August 2010 10:35 am

There is not one single ‘proven’ haunting anywhere in the world. Even the Amityville house was exposed as a hoax. Nonetheless, this does not stop our persistent belief in the supernatural and even demonic possession. The movie Paranormal Activity (and its upcoming sequel) scared the bejesus out us in the same way that the Blair Witch Project and the Exorcist did. We can’t get enough of that peculiar feeling that something, or someone, is watching us from beyond the grave.

Haunted places

Even reputable science-type folk have reported feeling decidedly strange in certain places in the world, with difficult-to-explain drops in temperature, sounds that sound too much like voices to be coincidental, and things going ‘bump’ in the night. Strangely, the most haunted places on earth are places that most of us aren’t familiar with. Enter if you dare.

Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia
The first prison colony of Australia, Port Arthur was described as hell on earth. Quite simply, this was a place to break men’s spirits and to drive them mad. Visitors to Port Arthur, from different parts of the planet and often five or ten years apart, have reported seeing the same kinds of phenomena: Drifting mists that move with purpose in rooms that have no drafts, voices in the night, the cold ‘touch’ of long-dead prisoners, or even bruises left behind after being kicked in the leg by the ghost of a child-killer.

The Winchester House
Sarah Winchester (wife of the famous gun manufacturer) was left alone after the death of her husband and child. Convinced that spirits had cursed her family, she came to the conclusion that the only way to find peace was to confuse the ghosts by building a maze-like series of rooms in her mansion. Construction on her new house continued for 38 years, as the increasingly frightened and paranoid Sarah commissioned room after room to be tacked on the to sprawling estate. By the time she died, the mansion was more than 160 rooms, connected by a confusing tangle of hidden doors and corridors. We may never know if the house was hainted but eye-witness accounts by reputable folk do report hearing the distant screams of frustrated ghosts wandering, trapped, in the halls.

Tuol Sleng
This Cambodian prison was essentially a concentration camp during the Killing Fields of the Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge savagery of the 1970s. Out of more than twelve thousand political prisoners detained here (almost all of whom were innocent) that were tortured, starved, and raped, only twelve survived. This is one of the reputedly most haunted places on earth, with the unidentified souls of restless inmates reportedly wandering the grounds, crying for peace.

Empire of the Dead, Paris, France
When the city planners in Paris decided that the city needed more room, they looked at the grounds that were being used the most but were least likely to have residents complain about being moved. In other words, the dead folk. Cemetery space in eighteenth century was the most occupied land space and the bones of the former residents now line the deep catacombs under Paris. They had to put them somewhere, right? Tours of the catacombs are often cancelled as tour members become increasingly nervous and shaken by the incidents that regularly occur. Groups of silent shadows following groups of the living, people who head into the catacombs on a dare and are never seen again, cries in the night, sudden sharp drops in temperature, being grabbed by invisible hands when there are no other people around, and an often overwhelming sense of despair are all routine here in the catacombs. Renting apartments in Paris are often part of a haunted tour package, for those who dare to explore the dark underworld of this otherwise vibrant and lively city.

Surprises on the menu: what does human flesh taste like?

Posted by paris | paris | Thursday 19 August 2010 10:38 am

We can just ask Nicolas Cocaign, the 39 year old French prisoner known as “The Cannibal of Rouen.” Everything happened in a jail in southern France, which had 140%, more inmates than was permitted

cannibal-rouen-nicolas-cocaign

The director decided to group the convicts in groups of 3 in cells meant for one prisoner. He hand picked the groupings, and paid no attention to the degree of danger each convict posed, due to poor internal management.

On November 2, 2007 Cocaign killed one of his cellmates, 31 year old Thierry Baudry. Cocaign told Baundry told to wash his hands after he came out of the bathroom, and according to Cocaign he ignored him and gave a dirty look. A month later, Cocaign took some scissors and stabbed him several times, then suffocated with a garbage bag to make sure he was dead. Later, with a razor blade pierced his chest and pulled out a piece of lung thinking it was the heart. He decided to eat a piece of raw lung and the other piece he cooked with onions and rice on a makeshift stove that was in the same cell.

During the trial Cocaign claimed to have enjoyed the act, saying that he was curious about the taste of human flesh and “it was as tender as a deer.” The third cellmate was accused of complicity but cleared quickly. He could not deal with the event and committed suicide in prison shortly thereafter.

The coroner who performed the autopsy on the victim told the court that Baudry was alive when Cocaign removed the lung. The prosecution sought 30 years. Rent apartments in Paris and walk without fear in this wonderful city. “The Cannibal of Rouen” will remain in prison for many, many years.

The top ten sexiest women of all time: Part 2

Posted by paris | paris | Wednesday 18 August 2010 10:42 am

A woman is able to inspire. Today, let’s take another look at the women who have most inspired us. No list like this would be complete without mentioning Marilyn Monroe, one of the most important icons of sensuality that has ever existed. Actress, singer and model, her controversial image and bold intelligence mean Marilyn has been chosen by many as the sexiest woman ever.

 sexiest-women

What could be more fascinating for a woman than making the history books for the sensuality and grace she showed on the silver screen? Rita Hayworth, the star of Gilda, was a diva by definition: desired, strong, sinful, cold and passionate.

Lou Andreas-Salome, despite not being representing the classic model of beauty or femininity, managed to conquer men like Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud through her seduction techniques.

The superstar Violet Gordon-Woodhouse achieved the impossible: to be the girlfriend of four men simultaneously. All five lived under the same roof and all were heterosexual. It seems that Violet oozed sexuality like mucous from the nose of a toddler, and enjoyed the company of her boyfriends. None of them regretted leading such a lifestyle.

Famous for her beauty, charm and elegance, Diana Princess of Wales became famous after her marriage to Prince Charles. She conquered the world with her good-natured beauty and forever earned a place among the ranks of the sexiest women ever.

With a career envied by many, Sophia Loren at age 75 has maintained an amazingly healthy, vivacious and sexy image, and is admired by fans around the globe. We should all applaud her confidence, and not be surprised by her still provocative appearances. True sexiness never dies.

If attractive women are your weakness, Rent Apartments in Paris, home of some of the sexiest women in the world.

The top ten sexiest women of all time: Part 1

Posted by paris | paris | Monday 16 August 2010 10:31 am

Powerful women throughout history with have used their beauty with intelligence to get what they wanted. Here, let’s take a look at the sexiest women in history, taking into account not only their physical beauty but also the historical impact and the effects they had on the world around them.

sexy women

Speaking of “history” lets begin by talking about Cleopatra, the woman who reigned in Egypt in the first century and whose beauty and charm won over Julius Caesar and Antony and gave her a reputation for being one of the most attractive women of all ages. Highly intelligent, with a feline look and a perfect face, Cleopatra was, according to Cassius Dio “a woman whose beauty surpassed anything else, with a lovely voice. She knew how to win the admiration of all.”

The sixteenth century was marked by a woman who certainly changed history thanks to her charm. Ann Boleyn’s beauty caused King Henry VIII decided to break with more than a thousand years of tradition and religion make her his wife. There is no doubt that her beauty was dazzling when you consider the impact and consequences of her marriage: the king’s clash with the Catholic Church and divorce changed the world.

Speaking of politics we can not forget about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Educated, intelligent and elegant, Jackie charmed John Kennedy after her society debut in 1947. At age 31 she became one of the youngest first ladies, and was much beloved by people in the U.S…

Parisian exotic dancer, Mata Hari worked as a double agent during the First World War. Her promiscuity and ostentatious use of her body attracted much attention in early 1900s. In addition to being a courtesan for several military officers, Mata Hari was the cleverest spy of the twentieth century.

Rent Apartments in Paris and visit the Guimet Museum, where Mata Hari had an exhibition in March 1905.

Wu Guanzhong, important 20th century Chinese artist dies at 90

Posted by paris | paris | Tuesday 10 August 2010 10:41 am

Wu Guanzhong, a Chinese painter who was recognized worldwide for introducing Western art in the East-which very few were able to do because of the closed culture that exists passed away June 25 in Beijing at the age of 90.

Wu guanzhong

He based his style on French impressionism but used black ink on white paper, which is very common in Chinese art. This led him to be recognized as one of the most important figures of the twentieth century in his country.

Wu Guanzhong was born on August 29, 1919 in the city of Yixing and although he began studying engineering, his soul was bound to painting. For this reason, a year later left school and moved to the National Academy of Arts.

But everything changed when he travelled to Paris in ’47 to study at the National School of Fine Arts through a state grant. His vision took a 180 degree turn and he became interested in Impressionism.

At that time Mao Zedong´s communist regime was at the height of its fervour and while many colleagues decided to stay in France in order to avoid it, he returned to his homeland.

Thereafter began his real recognition. From the 50´s onwards, Wu began to introduce European art to a country that was dominated by social realism and although he suffered the persecution of the Cultural Revolution and was sent to a re-education camp, he continued to fight for the impressionism and art that he had fallen in love with. Today you can rent apartments in Paris to visit all the museums that house the works of painters on which he based his art.

His exhibitions were prohibited during Maoism and only in the late 70s could he begin to publicly display his works. In 1991, the French Ministry of Culture awarded him the Order of Arts and Letters, and 1992 he became the first Chinese artist to exhibit in the British Museum in London.

Rock en Seine Paris 2010

Posted by paris | paris | Wednesday 4 August 2010 10:30 am

Since 2003 the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, Château de Saint-Cloud’s park just outside Paris is hosting the Rock en Seine Festival, a 3-day rock’n’roll festival which gains its name from the wordplay with the word ‘scéne’ (stage) and Paris’ river, the Seine which are similarly pronounced. A rather scandalous story from last year’s edition of the festival was the fight between the Gallagher brothers right before their performance which resulted in the split-up of Oasis.

Rock en Seine, Paris 2010

The festivals runs this year fromAugust 27th until the 29th and the line-up includes acts such as Massive Attack, the Ting Tings, Skunk Anansie, and K’naan.
After spending 5 years on the down-low Blink 182 will perform as well.

In addition to the music the festival organizes a photo exhibition about rock music and this year the photographer Richard Bellia (www.richardbellia.com) will show some of his work. “Un oeil sur la musique [An eye on music] 1982 – 2007” is the title of a collection of snapshots that document his work in music.
Under the theme “Rock’Art” 47 illustrators have been commisioned to get creative and design an original poster for the groups appearing at Rock en Seine and all of the 47 posters will be on display at Rock en Seine.
The festival also provides a Mini Rock en Seine for children where they have the opportunity to participate in various activities like guitar learning, dancing, etc.
In typical rock festival style, there will be a camp ground for people that have a ticket for the whole event. As always tickets and more information about everything regarding the festival will be available on the official website: http://www.rockenseine.com/en/ And if you’re not exactly a fan of camping, rent apartments in Paris for the perfect stay and sleep like a rockstar.