New colourful ‘sails’ elevate the Louis Vuitton arts centre in Paris

Frank Gehry's Fondation Louis Vuitton building in Paris has received a vibrant makeover from French artist Daniel Buren.

The installation, titled Observatory of Light, was revealed Wednesday 11 May in Paris' Jardin d'Acclimatation.

© Daniel Buren - ADAGP Paris, 2016 © Manuel Lagos - Cid

Buren has used multi-coloured filters, adorning the building with 3,600 pieces of glass that envelope the building in 12 'sails'.

L'Observatoire de la lumière, travail in situ, 2016. Daniel Buren

The coloured glass is arranged in a checkerboard fashion and provides new perspectives in the interior and exterior depending on the time of day. With the influence of sunlight comes a play of colours, reflections and transparencies, creating a kaleidoscope-style effect.

© Daniel Buren - ADAGP Paris, 2016 © Manuel Lagos - Cid

© Daniel Buren - ADAGP Paris, 2016, 2016 © Manuel Lagos - Cid

Daniel Buren said, 'Almost everywhere something is reflected... I think that this will enable visitors to further understand and enjoy the singularity of this architecture.'

L'Observatoire de la lumière, travail in situ, 2016. © DB - ADAGP Paris, 2016 © Manuel Lagos - Cid

Buren is an internationally-acclaimed French artist who has been recognised for his radical use of colour and white stripes, whether it is paint or glass, since the 1960s.

Daniel Buren at the Fondation Louis Vuitton

President of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, Bernard Arnault, commented on the installation:

'Daniel Buren has designed a grandiose project, pertinent and enchanting, the result of a real dialogue with Frank Gehry and his building. His work responds magnificently to the architecture, in line with his approach, going back to the 1970s, that sees a coming together of colours, transparency and light.'

© Daniel Buren - ADAGP Paris, 2016, 2016 © Manuel Lagos - Cid

© Daniel Buren - ADAGP Paris, 2016, 2016 © Manuel Lagos - Cid

© Daniel Buren - ADAGP Paris, 2016, 2016 © Manuel Lagos - Cid

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