The great arc
A striking meditation on inequality via the bold sculptures that sit amongst skyscrapers in Paris’s business district- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon.
La Défense is a business district located west of Paris, often described as the most beautiful in Europe. It is known for its modern skyscrapers and its role as a hub for corporate activity. The district stands out for hosting nearly 70 monumental works of art alongside its high-rise buildings, transforming the area into an open-air museum. This blend of business and art creates a unique urban landscape where commercial activity and cultural expression coexist. The area is characterized by its opulence and bustling environment, serving as a symbol of economic vitality in the French capital.
The public art in La Défense raises questions about its intended audience. While the district showcases impressive sculptures and installations, some observers question who benefits from these artistic displays. The animator Camille Authouart explores this theme in her work The Great Arc, highlighting how public art may be overlooked or ignored by the very people it aims to engage. The film draws attention to the contrast between the grandeur of the artworks and the everyday lives of commuters, who often rush past without noticing their surroundings. This raises broader questions about accessibility, inclusivity, and the role of art in urban spaces.
In The Great Arc, Camille Authouart examines the concept of invisibility in urban environments, particularly through the lens of social class. The film contrasts the monumental artworks with the presence of an unhoused man sleeping under the district’s iconic arch and against a sculpture by Alexander Calder titled Araignée Rouge (Red Spider). Authouart observes how both the art and the individual become invisible to the commuters rushing by during peak hours. This juxtaposition underscores the idea that public spaces, despite their artistic and architectural grandeur, can fail to engage or even acknowledge marginalized individuals, rendering them unseen in the daily hustle of city life.
Camille Authouart is a French animator whose work The Great Arc blends documentary, narrative, and poetic storytelling to explore urban life. Her film uses beautifully textured pastel animations to depict La Défense, evolving into a surreal meditation on themes like class and shared space. Authouart’s approach is immersive, drawing viewers into a layered examination of the district’s social dynamics. By combining different storytelling techniques, she creates a nuanced portrayal of the district, highlighting the tensions between art, commerce, and human presence in a modern urban setting.
Alexander Calder was an American sculptor renowned for his contributions to modern art, particularly in the field of kinetic sculpture. In La Défense, one of his notable works is Araignée Rouge (Red Spider), a large steel sculpture that stands as a prominent feature in the district. Calder’s sculptures are characterized by their abstract forms and dynamic movement, often incorporating elements that interact with their environment. Araignée Rouge exemplifies his style, blending industrial materials with artistic expression. The sculpture’s presence in La Défense adds to the district’s identity as a space where art and architecture intersect.
The film *The Great Arc* uses the contrast between La Défense’s public art and the presence of an unhoused man to explore the class divide in urban spaces. While the district’s artworks are designed to impress and inspire, they often exist in a context where economic disparities are starkly visible. Authouart’s work suggests that public art, despite its grandeur, may not bridge the gap between different social classes. Instead, it can highlight the invisibility of marginalized individuals, who are frequently overlooked in spaces designed for wealth and productivity. This raises important questions about the role of art in addressing or perpetuating social inequalities.
