Alignement du XXIe siècle, Granite sculpture installation in Beauregard Park, Rennes, France
The Alignement du XXIe siècle is a granite installation in Beauregard Park consisting of 72 columns arranged in a rectangular grid pattern. The work creates an open space where visitors can walk through in any direction.
The work was created in the 2000s and represents a significant moment in French public art commissioning. It emerged during a period when cities were rekindling interest in large-scale artistic projects within their urban spaces.
The layout of the columns references ancient stone monument traditions while speaking in the language of contemporary art. Visitors can sense how this work connects to megalithic practices that have held meaning in this region for thousands of years.
The installation is in Beauregard Park and remains freely accessible, so you can visit anytime. The best experience comes during daylight hours when light filters between the columns and reveals the space's geometry.
The columns cast shadows that align with Earth's coordinates at particular times of day. This astronomical function connects the contemporary artwork to ancient observation methods that people have long used for navigation and timekeeping.
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