In Paris, looking up can lead to some delightful surprises. On a small square in the 20th arrondissement, an installation by artist Ben playfully reminds passersby that words can sometimes be tricky. This urban piece, both fun and full of irony, invites you to discover it as you wander through the neighborhood.
On Fréhel Square, at the corner of Belleville and Julien-Lacroix streets, a massive black slate hangs several meters above the ground. Inscribed on it in white calligraphy is the phrase: “Beware of words”. The message sparks curiosity, especially when you notice it appears to have just been installed by two workers caught mid-effort… except these workers are frozen forever in time. They are life-sized sculptures, mounted on the wall as if the installation had been paused in the middle of a job.
This playful piece is crafted by Ben Vautier, a renowned Franco-Swiss artist celebrated for his witty and sharp-tongued phrases. Since the 1960s, he has challenged our relationship with language by turning ordinary words into entire works of art. For Ben, his messages are often mirrors held up to the viewer: ironic, subtle, and always with a touch of provocation.
With « You Have to Be Wary of Words », the artist once again explores the subtle twists of language. Can we truly trust what we read? Is the meaning of words always as straightforward as we like to believe? A clever nod to our tendency to interpret things literally, without questioning.
So, next time you're strolling through the 20th arrondissement, make sure to look up. Paris loves to surprise those who take the time to see differently. And who knows? Behind a wall or tucked between two alleyways, another hidden masterpiece might be waiting for you.
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