Louvre in Paris furthers genre of ephemeral art

Ever since Banksy made history in 2018 by having his artwork shredded — at least halfway — the moment it was sold, the transformational nature of art acquired a new dimension. This week’s event at the Louvre that saw a massive paper installation creating an optical illusion that the museum’s pyramid was rising from an abyss has gone a step further on that path.
In hindsight, it may well be revealed that like Banksy, the artist intended his paper ensemble would disintegrate — transform — within hours of its launch after being trod upon by art lovers. Maybe it will be said that he actually wanted them to tear off pieces to carry them away as souvenirs. And that the whole idea was to demonstrate the transience of creativity, rather than the thoughtlessness of Parisians, not to mention a waste of paper.


Paris is known for its artistic aesthetic, so it comes as no surprise that the next big art event will be the “wrapping” of the Arc de Triomphe in 25,000 sq m of blue recyclable cloth and 7,000 m of red rope for two weeks in April 2020 by a Bulgarianborn artist who had earlier done the same to Berlin’s Reichstag, among other landmarks.

However, despite the Parisian monument’s resemblance to India Gate — including a memorial to the Unknown Soldier — it is safe to say that New Delhi will not witness such a transformation any time soon.