Fete Lumieres by Citroen
1st notice on this, again at Mediation Culturelle class, and on “etu”. No experience whatsoever in the field, however interest and curiosity. Brimful of enthusiasm, sent “e-mail of intention”.
Feedback, followed by a first encounter. 4 people. First ideas stemmed when seeing the showroom. Creativity restrained by lack of budget. Several weeks of non-communication, followed by a tight deadline. Coffee in Bellecour and project-based-discussions. Unanimous idea of overusing their “institutional” colours (perhaps also degrade?).Tissues, retro projectors, diaporama of ancient headquarters and Citroen models? Still priceless….(sic!)Latter account to the "siege" where all our attempts at imagination and innovation are un dercut by lack of budget. Discuss issue also in class. And coffee again. Carol’s active participation. And yet another joint visit at the “siege”. Still without a budget, we brainstorm some more. We even lower our prices (7000 down to 1000, these also taken up by an association), and with them our expectations.Coherence of ideas with Carol. Diversion “Citroen seen by Picasso, Cezanne, Matisse”. Yet Citroen C4 put on the spotlight as their latest. We begin. Excursion to Bron to cut offlittle cars in black , thick paper ( this due to an apparent lack of red paper on the Lyon market).4 laughs later, we meet at the showroom. We fiercely carry reproprojectors, we skillfully use a cutter in “producing” yet another car in the same black paper. “Wrapping” neons. Carol to provide us with the proper training. Music in the background, the director and other visitors /buyers to see us. And “fils”, and cables, and wires.Sticking up the little cartoon cars on the lateral windows, while unsticking a bad commercial for “Eurocasion” from the very same glass.Retroprojecteurs in our backs, so as to create a difuse redish light. We go up and start hanging neons. Pretty much like hanging Xmas decorations. Slightly heavier….We “branche”. 1st defeat: 3 neons do not work. We – women- panic. Yet Carol fixes the problem instantly. We boast.Until we see it globally light up for the 1st day of “fete Lumieres”. The “R” not working since times immemorial and the obvious lack of emphasis on their classical logo, which we- thus uselessly- tried to recreate physically and temporarily “playing” with dispearsed neons.The redish light proved not to be very effective either- as they were positioned too low on the floor, so that their presence could be noticeable from a far.Thus, the impression of nothing new in the disposal of the showroom!And, unfortunately, no one could stay forever in front of the building – a plus for the building as such- as to explain the initial concept, the harsh work conditions of work and –subsequently- the final touch(believe me, I tried to for a few hours!)