Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

As an Environmental Graphic Designer and an avid fan of Kevin Lynch I understand the importance of arrival and departures. Entering a city or leaving it is as important as the city itself as it reinforces and validates your existence within it. Belgian designer, artist and sculptor, Arne Quinze was asked by the city of Rouen to create an installation, Camille, on the Boieldieu bridge in the center of Rouen, France.

Image  Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image  Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

From Arne Quinze //
"When I visited Rouen and got to seethe Boieldieu bridge for the first time, I immediately understood the bridge had to generate social interaction. My installations are all about bringing people back together and connecting them. This public art installation for the bridge over the Seine has the same aim. Inhabitants from the left side will meet inhabitants from the right side underneath the entangled wooden slats."

Image  Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

"The sculpture is created to evoke emotion and to spark conversation." - Arne Quinze

Image  Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image  Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

The installation embraces the community and marries both sides of the bridge quite gracefully. Quinze's use of material, form and color, although  acute, chaotic and rough from every edge, masterfully softens and generates energy around every public space. His use of contrast, contradiction and speed broaden his vision of livability in todays physical context. His work provokes open communication and empowers the most beautiful element of our existence, human interaction.  Camille utilizes metal, concrete, fluorescent paint and wood. Eighteen concrete footers suspend the installation and distribute the weight throughout the bridge. Camille is a tribute to Camille Pissaro who painted the bridge several times. The installation is also referenced to Claude Monet's wife Camille.

Image  Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Yatzer always enjoys seeing the work of Arne Quinze and his devoted team. The absolute passion to generate conversation and bring people together in public spaces separates Quinze from the rest. Camille will bring life back to this threshold and the river. How many hugs, conversations, kisses and friendships will generate from Camille? We sure hope plenty.

Image  Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Image Courtesy of Arne Quinze

Camille of Rouen by Arne Quinze

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