Olivia Walters Je m’arrêterai jamais quand il s’agit de Mabanckou. Il m’obsède. « S’il y a un secret que je pourrais livrer ici c’est que, pour faire parler les gens, il faut jouer la distance, l’indifférence, en un mot le désintérêt, y a pas mieux que ce stratagème vieux comme le monde pour déclencher lesContinue reading “Summer Obsessions: Notes on Mabanckou et Rilke”
Category Archives: Writing
Spooky Danish Sculptor’s Slice of Life
Olivia Walters Olafur Eliasson, the contemporary Danish-Icelandic artist invited to expose in 2016 at the Château de Versailles, renovated Louis XIV’s former stomping ground by hanging a giant, pre-Christmas ornament from the ceiling. Or so the eye believed. Entering the Salle des Gardes du Roi, the room is stripped of furniture, save for two convexContinue reading “Spooky Danish Sculptor’s Slice of Life”
French Siboy Artistically Rebrands Hardcore Rap, He Hopes
Olivia Walters The first distinguishing traits about Siboy are his ski mask and shiny grill flashing between two fingers doing the cunnilingus sign. If there was a puzzle called “Match the Accessory to the Rapper,” Biggie’s lopsided crown and Kanye’s runway ready parachute pants would make up the most iconic pieces. But Siboy is SiboyContinue reading “French Siboy Artistically Rebrands Hardcore Rap, He Hopes”
The Widow on the Train
Olivia Walters I was traveling on the famous SNCF train in a compartment for four, but on that day, it was occupied by two. Lucille gave me her address and made me promise I would come visit her in Paris for tea. In a matter of an hour, a widow opened up to me, toldContinue reading “The Widow on the Train”
After School Special: Bus #10
Olivia Walters Look at me, impatiently waiting at the bus stop, one hand over my eyes, the other waving for the driver’s attention to take me home. Look at me, mounting the bus, scanning my pass, then doing the once-around to decide where I’ll sit. What an absolute joy it is to finally be outContinue reading “After School Special: Bus #10”
Dysfunctional Spaces: Parisian Art Without Grace
by Olivia Walters In December 2016, Lab 14 showcased a dystopian maze of graffiti, movable installations, and sculptures in the Montpartnasse district of Paris. Formerly a post office, close to fifty artists participated in a project well aware of its three month expiration date. To some, an ephemeral concept that sought to push urban artContinue reading “Dysfunctional Spaces: Parisian Art Without Grace”
Winter Sea Towns in Brittany, France
Olivia Walters After the fall months pass, the wind sloshes the harbor water near Pordic, France with an eerie silence. A quiet reserve takes over what seems to be a bustling area for visitors during the warmer part of the year. But now summer vacation is on pause, returning many communes in the northwestern region of Brittany to theContinue reading “Winter Sea Towns in Brittany, France”
Sighting: Food Truck Takeover
Olivia Walters We always hear that French people have an unfavorable impression about American cuisine. It’s greasy, it’s quick, and it’s too salty. However, in the past four years France has witnessed an American culinary invasion with the arrival of food trucks in Paris. Opinions about American dishes are changing as the trend explodes all over the city.Continue reading “Sighting: Food Truck Takeover”
Lyon on Wheels
Olivia Walters Public transportation is something that French citizens are accustomed to. As an American, it was difficult to transition from having a car to suddenly relying on the métro, buses, and trains. Lyon is situated southeast to Paris, a gem notoriously known for its gastronomy and walls adorned with Italian-inspired fresques [murals]. Although skateboardContinue reading “Lyon on Wheels”
New Impressionism: Spray Paint
Olivia Walters The City of Light is divided into 20 arrondissements and dotted with expensive boutiques, while the left and right bank are separated by the Seine river. Looming over it all, the Eiffel Tower twinkles at night and makes for a classic selfie during the day. This is the image of Paris that never fails to touchContinue reading “New Impressionism: Spray Paint”
Olivia Walters 