Outside of Paris, a Castle Hosts Contemporary Art and More ...

Château de Blandy-les-Tours, a turreted castle about 45 minutes from Paris, has been rescued from 200 years of neglect and turned into an exhibition space that <a href="http://www.nfljerseys-supply.com/"><strong>kids nfl jerseys</strong></a> showcases contemporary art against a romantic backdrop of Medieval architecture. Its current show also has a particularly contemporary feel, referencing the recent political upheavals of the so-called Arab Spring.Opened to the public in 2007 after painstaking restoration, Blandy (33-1-60-59-17-80) offers residency programs to international writers and artists. And each Sunday through the summer, the “Dimanches de Blandy” festival season puts on a richly varied program of performance, dance and theater. The “Chain Reactions” exhibition, running through <a href="http://www.nfljerseys-supply.com/"><strong>NBA jerseys</strong></a> Oct. 23, features works by the prize-winning Egyptian artist Moataz Nasr. In 15 pieces, he uses videos, light works, sculpture and land art to examine the recent turmoil of the Arab world, embracing a message of engagement, fraternity and hope.Mr. Nasr was present in Cairo’s Tahrir Square during the heady days of the uprising and he has brought the spirit of the square to Blandy, carving a revolutionary slogan — “The people want the fall of the regime” — in Arabic script, like a maze, into the grassy lawn of the castle forecourt.In one tower room flyers <a href="http://www.nfljerseys-supply.com/"><strong>NFL jerseys china</strong></a> and banners collected from Tahrir Square waft in gentle breezes. In another, whirling dervishes, seen from above, spin in a vertiginous triple video installation.Though the restored buildings date to the 14th century, the origins of the castle go back to the 12th century, when it was built as a fortress to maintain order over a potentially restive population while local warlords were away during the crusades.The symbolism and the irony of an Islamic artist occupying such a place with such a message is not lost on Mr. Nasr. “It’s very challenging and inspiring dealing with a space like this,” he said. “It is interesting for an Egyptian to show in a medieval castle, built during the crusades.”Blandy is open Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 6 euros (about <a href="http://rooyee.org/view.php?id=18652"><strong>Authentic Derrek Lee Jersey the Authentic Johan Santana Jersey ...</strong></a> 8.75); children under 18, free. To get there from Paris, take the RER D line to Melun.