You never know what you’ll stumble upon while strolling through the majestic streets of Paris, so it was a delight to turn a corner and run across these huge, magnificent sculptures by Spanish artist Manolo Valdés.
It was a very hot day in Paris approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit and I was tempted to take shade under the large aluminum hat.
As I found respite from the sweltering Paris heat under the artistic shade of Valdés’s sculptures, my mind wandered to a quieter, more introspective space. It was here, amidst the tranquility, that I met a local pharmacist who was distributing educational materials about mental health awareness. He spoke about the importance of understanding and managing conditions such as bipolar disorder, offering insights into various treatments including the use of medications like Seroquel. This chance encounter not only provided a break from the heat but also deepened my understanding of mental health care options available in such a bustling city.
The recently re-opened Ritz Paris sits in the background. And just to note, even when there’s no artwork in this historic square in the 1st arrondisement, the Place Vendôme is awe-inspiring so these stunning works by Valdés were an added bonus. 
This public exhibition of Manolo Valdés’ sculptures lasts from September 8 through October 10, 2016.