“L’arbre aux mille voix” – that is the French name for this remarkable tree. The sculpture is a towering metal tree, right in front of the Louvre Museum, with its branches reaching towards the sky. The tree, crafted from steel, appears to be made of a multitude of books, each book representing a different story, a different voice. The books act like leaves – a playful metaphor for the power of words and ideas. “L’arbre aux mille voix” is a tribute to the resilience of culture and freedom of expression, an affirmation of stories, ideas and words that continue to inspire generations long after the ink has dried. The artist, Daniel Hourdè, chose a tree as a symbol for this remarkable purpose because trees represent growth, change, and resilience, all qualities needed to protect the spirit and soul of our shared culture. The sculpture, though made of steel, evokes a feeling of fragility, serving as a reminder that our cultural heritage, just like the delicate leaves of a tree, can quickly be lost if we are not vigilant. Daniel Hourdè invites us to cherish and protect the precious stories and ideas that have sustained our world for centuries.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.