New York, February 13, 2015 – A painting by French-Israeli artist Ron Agam created especially for Albertine, the new French reading room and bookshop opened by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, was unveiled on February 13, where it will remain on permanent display.Using the French flag as its inspiration, the painting features blocks of different colors symbolizing the diversity, dynamism, and manifold perspectives of modern-day France. Agam, who currently lives in New York City, spent his youth traveling between Paris, France and Rehovot, Israel. His work has been exhibited in galleries around the globe and published in periodicals including Newsweek and Time.
“Through the colors and shapes I chose, I wanted to convey the richness of French culture, its diversity, and its energy, which is focused on the future. This is an homage to my country [France]; I consider this painting a great work that incarnates a strong message of brotherhood and hope” explained Ron Agam.
Hailed as a “sumptuous, swaddled nest where book lovers can roost” by The New York Times, Albertine is the new reading room and bookshop that brings to life French-American intellectual exchange. A permanent venue for free events and debates, Albertine offers more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from over 30 French-speaking countries around the world in French and in translation. Located in the landmark Payne Whitney mansion on Manhattan’s Museum Mile (972 Fifth Avenue), Albertine is designed by renowned French designer Jacques Garcia in the model of a grand, private French library.
About Albertine
Albertine is a reading room and bookshop that brings to life French-American intellectual exchange. A permanent venue for free events and debates, the new space offers more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from over 30 French-speaking countries around the world in French and in translation. Visit www.albertine.com. Follow Albertine on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @albertinebooks.
About the Cultural Services of the French Embassy
The Cultural Services of the French Embassy provides a platform for exchange and innovation between French and American artists, intellectuals, educators, students, the tech community, and the general public. Based in New York City, Washington D.C., and eight other cities across the US, the Cultural Services develops the cultural economy by focusing on six principal fields of action: the arts, literature, cinema, the digital sphere, French language and higher education. Visit www.frenchculture.org