ph. Ginger Johnston Held, 2015
American artist living in Florence Keri Rosebraugh and French artist Phillippe Nodluaner have created a giant ankh symbol out of 200 baguettes to show solidarity and support of Paris after the terror attacks on November 13, 2015.
Originally scheduled to attend an exhibition in Paris which included two of Rosebraugh’s artworks, she arrived to find the ‘Gaia’ show opening postponed, created in conjunction with the upcoming COP21 summit on climate change. Rosebraugh decided to stay in Paris after meeting up with curator Julia Rajacic as well as other artists in the exhibition.
“The more I discussed the current state of the city with the people of Paris, I learned they are compassionate and strong. They are determined to keep their freedom and to spread unity in their communities.”
Together, Rosebraugh and Nodluaner conceived the idea to create an art installation in support of the people of Paris on the banks of the river Seine. The Ankh, an Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol meaning “everlasting life,” is also known to be the shape of a bull’s vertebra, implying strength and power. The symbol’s shape is also similar to the top of a sandal. With its loop as its node, it allows one to put his or her toe ahead and move forward.
Nodluaner rode Rosebraugh on the handlebars of his bicycle for two rainy days gathering 200 baguettes, each 90 centimetres in length. At sunrise on Sunday, the two installed An Ankh For Paris in the company of cooperative street cleaners, dog walkers, joggers, and many pigeons eyeing a morning feast. With the historical Louvre Museum as its backdrop, this artwork hopes to spread the support of unity and oneness between cultures.
