The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “megalith” as: “a very large usually rough stone used in prehistoric cultures as a monument or building block”. While these stones are fairly large I’m not sure that I would call them “very” large (i.e.in the sense that the stones used at Stonehenge are “very” large). Somehow the word “minilith” comes to mind! At this site there are three largish standing stones (menhirs) and a large boulder carved with four female figures. The latter is a copy of the original (see below):

According to the town’s website (translated from the original French):

It is probable that the neolithic inhabitants of the region lodged in the Salève caves and pruned menhirs. One of these sacred stones was found at the beginning of the 19th century at the top of a mound at the place called Pierre-Grand. On one side are four sculptured female figures, probably dating from the Gallo-Roman period (120 BC to 400 AD), and which are at the origin of her name : The Pierre-aux-Dames. This megalith was classified as a historic monument in 1921 and has been preserved since 1942 at the Museum of Art and History of Geneva. In 1998, the municipality commissioned a large copy of it which can be admired today on the Town Hall Square.

The three small megaliths can be seen on the left.

A fascinating and unexpected find.

The artist calls this 2001 work ‘Cape Cod Chandelier’. She goes on to say:

I like to surprise people with their reactions to these chandeliers. under-trousers cover the exits for the body’s garbage, so seeing them placed centrally in a room, giving off light, causes some people to think, ugh! that’s underwear! but others find underwear sexy. the chandeliers bridge the contradictions between the things we ignore and the things we long for, the places we come from and want to go back into.

(Source: pipilotti rist: the tender room).

In case it’s not obvious from the above, the entire piece is made from underwear.

Shadow people 1.

This was the second room we visited in the exhibition – on another floor and with a completely different feel. I much preferred it to the first (see: Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest 1). This one was full of moving lights and video projected onto walls and drapes (which also moved).

Fascinating thought it was, I was more interested in the shadows cast by the people moving through the exhibition. I’m calling this series of pictures “Shadow people”.

Shadow people 2

Shadow people 3

Shadow people 4

Shadow people 5

Shadow people 6

Although this was the first picture I took in this room, I like this picture least. I prefer the touch of mystery when you can’t actually make out the people casting the shadows.