Écoute, Stone sculpture in Jardin Nelson-Mandela, France
Description
Ecoute is a sandstone sculpture in Jardin Nelson-Mandela that depicts a giant head with a cupped hand held in front of its face. The work stands 3 meters tall and has a realistic yet otherworldly appearance that commands attention from every angle.
History
The work was created in 1986 by French artist Henri de Miller and installed on Place René Cassin. This plaza emerged from the redevelopment of the former market garden that had once shaped the neighborhood's character.
Culture
The sculpture creates a visual exchange between contemporary art and the Gothic church that rises nearby. You notice this connection immediately when you stand in front of the oversized head and look at the historic buildings surrounding it.
Practical
You can reach the sculpture easily by metro, as Les Halles station is very close by. The plaza is open during the day and offers plenty of space to view the work from different angles.
Did you know?
The sculpture weighs around 70 tons and rests directly on the ground, allowing people to sit beside its ear and step into the cupped hand. This direct interaction transforms the work into an unusual experience where visitors become part of the art.
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