Paris: Gobelins Summer School - The louvre

The most visited museum in the world is also the largest one that I've visited. Situated in a location of prominence in the middle of the city, this enormous classical building is easily recognizable from all the different angles of the city.

While the grand palace's exterior is impressive. It pales in comparison to the interior. There are performers around the many fountain courtyards during the cooler hours of the day.

I quite like the glass pyramids being juxtaposed with the classical building. While I sometimes find the finely decorated classical buildings to be slightly suffocating, the translucent pyramids give some welcomed breathing space.

Our summer school troupe, Stephan (Canada), Simon (Columbia), Nathan (US), Sarah (UK) and Sammy (US) by the grand pyramid.

Visiting on the first Sunday of the month can be a mixed blessing. It is free, but you have to contend with the crowds. Fortunately, the queue move rather quickly into the building.

In the corridors thronged by tourists, my Italian friend, Mauro asked an interesting question. 'What is the point of taking pictures of pictures?' I do suppose it is worth examining the merit of making an artwork of an artwork. But these hot and crowded halls are not ideal for philosophical contemplations.

When it comes to the difference between looking at the real paintings hanging on the gallery space and their photographs in art books, I think both experiences can be enriching in different ways.

In the case of large paintings, their size does command a sense of presence. There are things to be said of look up at these mega-sized work of art depicting epic scenes. On the other hand, their very size can obscure the work with countless reflections from many angles. While you have to gaze upon them from a suitable distance to see from frame to frame, sometimes it is still hard to take in the whole painting in its entirety. Perhaps the original artists aimed for an immersive experience. However, I can be so acclimatized with looking at screen-sized things that these mammoths can become a sensory overload. Furthermore, the lavish deco around the paintings especially on the ceilings can vie for your attention as well.

On the other hand, photographs of work can be digested and absorbed at leisure without the gawking trigger-happy tourists and the baking summer temperatures of the room. Additionally, most books are screen-sized.

This brings us to a painting whose reputation far exceeded its size.

This is the room where the height of human civilization, culture and high arts sits side by side with the most ugly, barbaric and uncivilized human behavior. The crowds are perhaps more zealous about snapping a photograph of the tiny painting behind layers and layers of protection, than the Ninja Turtle team leader were in creating this somewhat overrated piece.

I actually find it a lot more fascinating watching people wanting to catch a glimpse of the legendary painting and their activities to persue that goal.

Having said all that, I am a tourist too, whatever that implies. And when we have had enough of the contemporary tourists and medieval European masterpieces, we retreated to a more quiet exhibition space of the museum. Simply from an animator's perspective, most of us agree that these are far more interesting than those in golden frames.

By now, it is be clear that I do have a special liking for minimalist animals.

Poor thing. I don't suppose this is a Voodoo Teddy or something.

I saw the Bigfoot in Paris as well!

Something more ornate that can fit snugly into any Final Fantasy character designs.

Something more sinister looking.

Something blue.

A baby that looks akin to the baby character in Inka Bola.

And an Easter Island head.

It was a shame the museum was closing before we manage to get to the Egyptian section. This spartan helm will have to do for now.

I'm not sure if we have even enjoyed a quarter of the gargantuan museum complex. If I should visit there again, I will try my very best to avoid weekends!