L'Appel du 18 Juin

Today marked a very important date in French history, the 70th anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle's famous call to arms, known as "L'Appel du 18 Juin". Every bit as famous and important to France as Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech is to America, it galvanized a nation into action, inspiring millions to fight the oppressive hand of the Nazi regime. Broadcast from England where de Gaulle, (a relatively unknown officer in the French Army) had journeyed to forge a collaboration with Churchill and lay the foundation for his "Free France" movement of resistance, it is as moving today as it was 70 years ago. To commemorate the occasion is an exhibition at Paris' Hotel de Ville (City Hall). I had decided I would go, and asked Madame M if she wanted to accompany me, ignorant of the fact that the day I had chosen, (today), was the actual anniversary! As I approached the plaza I could hear the recording of his speech which plays on loudspeakers at regular intervals. Installed in front of the magnificent HdV is a ginormous collage of de Gaulle, assembled with a thousand faces of brave members of the Resistance. It is really quite beautiful. Inside the exhibition tent one finds the stories of ordinary people who were called upon to do the extraordinary, risking life and limb, torture and sacrifice for the liberation of France. My eyes welled with tears and my voice was choked with emotion as I looked at the beautiful faces of Simone Michel-Levy, tortured (but never talked) and hung naked to die at Camp Flossenburg, and 14 year old Mathurin Henrico (codename "Barrioz") who was shot by Geman soldiers as he attempted to warn his neighbors of their arrival. "My heart is calm, as is my spirit" were the last words of Madame Michel-Levy (codename "Emma"). It is a common misconception of many Americans that the french stood idly by during the occupation, nothing could be further from the truth! They felt (and rightfully) sold out by Marshall Pètain and the Vichy accord, many did what they could working underground, whilst others defied the law by joining de Gaulles military forces (this was considered treason under Vichy law.) All in all, it is a great tribute to the brave men and women of France, and to a great leader, General Charles de Gaulle! The exhibition is free of charge, and can be experienced from now until the 4th of July.

Paris d'Amour

Love, Romance, and Paris. They go together like peanut butter and jelly, dark chocolate and Bordeaux, Tracy and Hepburn. Naturally I was drawn to the latest exhibition at the Hotel de Ville, entitled "Paris d'Amour". A sweet and touching collection of photographs by artist Gerard Uferas, the theme is marraige - from beautiful brides in preparation for their big day to the gaiety of celebrations after the exchange of vows. Multi-ethnic traditions, same sex pax's, May-September romance, Uferas stresses tolerance and freedom of expression with this project. It is a delightful exhibition that I highly recommend! You can enjoy it through the 31st of July, from 10h-19h everyday except sundays and holidays, and admission is free. You can also visit the artist on his website: http://www.gerarduferas.com/

Izis: Photographer Extraordinaire

It's true what they say, "The best things in life are free!" The proof was in the pudding today at the Hotel de Ville. Madame M proposed we visit the Izis exhibition, showing gratuite. I must confess, I had no knowledge of this artist before today, and was glad to expand my horizons. Born Izraelis Bidermanas, he came of age during the Nazi occupation of France, joined the Resistance, and was known to his comrades simply as "Izis". He had a lifelong love for the art of photography, and many of his most stirring portraits are of his fellow freedom fighters. A Humanist, Izis had an eye for capturing the emotion of the moment-pure, unposed, completely honest. After the war he worked as a staff photographer for Paris Match, the french equivilant to Life magazine, and captured the images of many luminaries including Colette and Chagal. But his most interesting work is spontaneous. He somehow captured the sad beauty of a homeless man sleeping in the street, the innocence of childhood, the sweet joy of a couple long married riding a merry-go-round. Not at all famous as his contemporary Robert Doiseneau, his body of work is nonetheless extraordinary, moving, and rich. Showing through the 29th of May, it is an exhibition not to be missed!