French artist Louis-Cyprien Rials’ presentation in Chandigarh was a refreshing trip to Baghdad Gymnasium, designed by Le Corbusier

Inside a heavily packed auditorium, a heavily accented French artist discussed his art on a sultry afternoon at the Panjab University on Thursday. As Louis-Cyprien Rials drew parallels of Baghdad gymnasium, designed by the master architect Le Corbusier, with his creations in Chandigarh, one went back in time to an era when these buildings were conceptualised.

“Perhaps, the planning for both Chandigarh and this gymnasium went on simultaneously. Baghdad gymnasium, a sports complex in the capital of Iraq, was designed by Le Corbusier under the commission of King Faisal II in 1956, for potential use in the 1960 summer Olympics. However, it finally took shape in 1980, years after he passed away. But the marked imprint of Le Corbusier truly reflects in this building that has stood the test of time,” shared Rials.

A photographer and videographer by passion, Rials also presented a short video clip of the building. Like expected, it was journey to the buildings of Corbusier’s time, with the marked promenade that led up to the top and a lot of open spaces — much like the famous Students’ Centre of PU! The presentation, organised by the MN Sharma Architectural Society, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Department of English and Cultural Studies and Department of History, Panjab University, was sure a refreshing look at Corbusier’s legacy.

“He also wanted a green cover around the building, as is the case in Chandigarh, but in a semi-arid area like Iraq that was next to impossible. Also, the volatile situation did not help much,” said Rials.

Born in Paris in 1981, Rials is an avid traveller, especially through war zones and areas of conflict. He uses photography, videos and installations to paint a poignant picture of these turbulent zones, and displays it for the world out there to witness, reflect.

“Heritage definitely pays the price of war. Everything collapses; nobody bothers about buildings when there is scant food and polluted water! When I first saw this gymnasium, it was under the control of militia and not in a very good shape. Since the last couple of years, things have been better,” shared Rials, who has presented his work in many group and solo exhibitions across the globe. What stands out most in his creations is the humane angle, which paints a mystique-infused picture of these violence-scarred areas and presents them in new light.

Heading to Kabul next, was he ever afraid to visit a geopolitically sensitive zone? “No, never. I have a French passport,” he quipped. A lot of guts, gumption!