Could you guess what hides the sculpture before you? It is Le Labyrinthe de Stahly. This abstract sculpture is monumental. It is located on the Jussieu campus in Paris. Le Labyrinthe de Stahly is also known as La Forêt pétrifiée.
Let’s delve into the story of this intriguing artwork. Le Labyrinthe de Stahly was commissioned during the campus construction. Its purpose was practical. It was designed to conceal the ventilation system for the workshops below. The sculpture was inaugurated in 1968.
The artist behind this work is François Stahly. He was a Swiss sculptor born in 1911. Stahly passed away in 2006.
Look closely at Le Labyrinthe de Stahly. It is crafted from teak wood. The sculpture has a height of 5 meters. It stretches 30 meters long and 10 meters wide. Its abstract forms invite interpretation.
François Stahly created several public artworks in Paris. These include Le Labyrinthe on the Jussieu campus. He also created the fountain in the Parc Floral de Vincennes. Stahly worked on these projects in 1966.
Stahly’s artistic journey took him to various places. He taught at the University of Berkeley in California. He also taught in Aspen, Washington, and Seattle.
Le Labyrinthe de Stahly stands as a testament to Stahly’s vision. It combines art and functionality. It offers a space for contemplation.
Stahly left behind a rich legacy. His works can be found in museums across the globe. These include museums in Brazil and the United States. His art is also in museums in France, Italy, Japan, Macedonia and Switzerland.
Consider the blend of nature and abstraction. Le Labyrinthe de Stahly invites us to explore. It bridges the gap between the practical and the artistic. It provides an unexpected visual experience.
As you move around Le Labyrinthe de Stahly, consider its history. Think about the artist’s intention. How does this sculpture interact with its environment?