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As the Venice Art Biennale 2024 approaches, the renowned artist JR has taken on a remarkable project – converting the interiors of Sleeping Car 3553 inside Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express into a mesmerizing work of art, aptly titled “L’Observatoire.”
This treasure hunt on a train sees JR hiding a myriad of intricate details within the carriage, from secret compartments to layered marquetry concealing hidden messages. Visitors to Venice and the Art Biennale will have the chance to peer through the eye-shaped portholes placed in the carriage windows, allowing them to observe JR’s captivating creation.
A Luxurious Sanctuary on Rails
The transformed sleeper carriage boasts an array of curated spaces, including a bedroom with a double bed, an ensuite bathroom, a wardrobe, a reclining daybed, a lounge area, and a library stocked with a selection of books by French publisher Gallimard. The true gem, however, is the secret tea room with a fireplace – a cozy haven for guests to while away the hours as the train traverses the European landscape.
The rounded windows and an oculus skylight on the ceiling offer a mesmerizing view of the ever-changing scenery outside, creating a truly immersive experience for those lucky enough to step aboard.
JR’s Lifelong Fascination with Trains
Designing the interiors of a sleeper carriage is not uncharted territory for JR. From a young age, he has been captivated by trains, using them as a canvas for many of his renowned artworks, such as “Women Are Heroes” (2007) and “Mind the Gap” (2017). The artist fondly recalls sitting by the window, watching the landscapes transform as the train carried him through different worlds.
“When I started creating art, I realized that trains were a way to make my work travel, so I started replacing Metro maps with my photography. It allows me to send my work into the unknown like a message in a bottle,” JR reflects.
Preserving the Train’s Iconic Legacy
In crafting “L’Observatoire,” JR has drawn inspiration from the train’s rich history, following in the footsteps of renowned Art Deco designers René Prou and René Lalique, who created the iconic “tulip lamp” and the glass paneling of the Côte d’Azur restaurant car.
Determined to preserve the timeless essence of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, JR has employed artisanal, century-old techniques, ensuring that his installation seamlessly blends with the train’s historic charm. “The fundamental craft is timeless,” the artist affirms, “as if I was an artist from the 1920s.”
As the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express begins its journey in 2025, “L’Observatoire” will undoubtedly captivate and enchant all who step aboard, offering a truly unique and immersive artistic experience.
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