Ile de la Cité in Parijs (1927) 1927

Curator: Here we have P. Turin's "Ile de la Cité in Paris," a bronze relief created in 1927. Editor: Whoa, that's like, old-school GPS! A bronze map…on a giant coin? It’s pretty cool, very tactile. I feel like I could navigate with it. Curator: It's fascinating, isn't it? On one side, we see a classical perspective of the Île de la Cité, with Notre Dame prominently displayed. And the other side, the street plan, reflects a scientific and practical representation of the city's fabric. Editor: So, a little bit of romantic daydream and hard facts mashed together, but like in a beautiful antique package! Why a relief, though? Is it a comment about urban life, elevating mundane details to artwork status, something about perspective? Curator: Turin's work can be considered as an artifact and an emblem. Paris at the turn of the century faced radical transformation. This particular piece acts as a means for immortalization—celebrating the city but also perhaps mourning an older version of it. Editor: You're right; it’s like freezing a moment in time, isn't it? A beautiful city memory preserved in metal. Curator: I'm especially drawn to its potential political meanings and public display potential: Turin transforms Paris' most iconic location into art to remind the audience of the value of preserving a nation’s art. Editor: I wonder if it ever worked as currency, too? Like you pay for coffee with Notre Dame? Imagine! A lovely reminder to have culture handy, like your wallet or umbrella! Curator: Ultimately, this site-specific work invites us to contemplate the history of art—its narrative of a great urban place during a major social transformation that has now faded with time. Editor: This is why museums exist! It’s a tangible memory.