The Art Squat–Electron Libre

  Part of my persona is being an artist so when I saw a brief web mention of the art squats in Paris, I knew I had to find one on my next visit. The concept of struggling artists illegally moving into an empty building (usually owned by a bank or investor awaiting revitalization of the area) to claim studio space was totally intriguing. If you are open to a different art experience — this is definitely art of the “huh?” variety — visit the art squat at 59 rue de Rivoli (although it can move — being a “squat” means it can be transitory). Entrance for the public is free. One April evening, while my daughter and I were doing “alone” time, I found the Electron Libre squat. The sun was setting, and the entrance to the squat was a rather dark alcove, blocked by several men smoking. Since I saw no one else entering, my innate urban-ingrained caution advised “no, not tonight.” My “worse-case scenario” was having my daughter in her non-existent French explaining to the gendarmes that her mother had gone off to find the “art squat” “somewhere” in Paris and had never returned. We left Paris the next morning, so I didn’t have an opportunity to return. But now with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter by my side, I realized how unnecessary that caution had been; I wasn’t missing this a second time; I had read the squat was in the top ten attractions in Pars. But, since granddaughter was eleven and didn’t need exposure to more “inappropriate” (her term) memories–we had already strolled the streets of Pigalle to her astonishment–I went inside to reconnoiter the building. (She is a budding artist and loved this place; we had to drag her out.) After the censor’s “all clear,” we climbed the circular stairwell, painted in garish colors and hung with the latest in abstracts. What an entertaining, wild place! We were fascinated by the various studios, most filled near to the ceilings with canvasses and the accoutrements of the trade. Even the bathroom was outrageously decorated. One squatter apparently was more a collector; the studio was jammed full of chairs, kitchen utensils, posters and junk of all kinds, including a huge Santa; perhaps this was an “installation” piece. Discordant music blared throughout the floors, obviously no consensus there; we heard a heated discussion taking place, again no consensus. The occupying artists we saw were young and obviously eager to push the limits; some work was extreme and even bordered on obscene; Mickey Mouse was portrayed in a posture I had not seen at Disney Paris. Some work I actually admired and would have bought, but we couldn’t find anyone to act as cashier. While there were what appeared to be artists chatting with one another, it wasn’t quite clear who belonged in what studio. So, when I found a young woman actually in her space, Fabresko and I had a brief exchange; I photographed her and her art and bought some of her printed cards. The building itself had obviously been an elite establishment with an illustrious past; the studios had fireplaces and crown moldings, some painted in outlandish colors; the views from the various studio windows onto rue Rivoli were stunning. I so envied these artists their youth, freedom, dedication and imagination and having a location where they could indulge their dreams A squat is not your gilded, quiet gallery where acknowledged artists present their sometimes benign work to the public, but an atmosphere where an artist can create what might not appeal to the general populace, but which fills some need in the artist’s soul. This is art at its most basic. If you have a sense of adventure, are not easily shocked, and are looking for a unique Paris experience, don’t miss the squat. (See other squats –not visited by the author.) —Elizabeth Weathers lives in the Maryland suburbs and works in Washington DC as personal assistant to a white-collar criminal defense attorney. Her love of travel began in the early 60s when she and a friend spent a month visiting the major capitals of western Europe. She subsequently continued her travels as a U.S. Marine officer’s wife. Despite multiple trips to England on painting excursions and attending her exchange “daughter’s” graduation in Sweden, forty years passed between her first and second visits to Paris. It was love at second sight, and she has returned each of the three years since, just recently having introduced her young granddaughter to the delights of the city. She is an artist, photographer and doting grandmother of four. This completely renovated apartment is located on charming Rue Elzévir in the historic Marais district of Paris, France. Contact:[email protected], or visit out our paris apartment for rent web site.