Une Brève Histoire de l’Avenir 12-21-15

Deb wanted to see the temporary exhibition at the Louvre, titled "A Brief History of the Future" which is a presentation that works to use art to illustrate some of the theses of a philosophical book of the same title by Jacques Attali.  The basic argument is that art through the ages has attempted to help cultures and societies adapt to the realities of the world.  But it further goes on to posit that art contemporary with it's time actually can help to determine that future.

I went to see it while Deb was in Denver and it was so challenging that I vowed to get the audio guide for the next visit.  The Terra Foundation of Paris hosted a seminar in November which I attended based on this exhibit where we got to hear from the curator of the show and from an eminent American scholar who pointed out how important it was to have the Thomas Cole series of paintings illustrating the rise and fall of empires painted in the U.S. during the 1830's.  She further went on to talk about the fact that American art of the 1800's and early to mid 1900's was overlooked and experiencing a renaissance in the art world.
I have to say that if it were in my power I would include the audio guide as part of the admission charge.   While this is my second trip and Deb's first trip, we both feel that it makes all the difference in understanding the show.
After seeing this exhibit we sneaked over for a quick preview of the Egyptian collections that we have not had an opportunity to view up to now.