Le Monde

Le Monde is a sculpture by Didier Sandrin. It is a bronze sphere symbolizing the world. The signs of an invented writing and the artist’s name are inscribed on its surface. There are handprints also on the sculpture. The base is in the same axis as the street. Didier Sandrin is a sculptor who lives in Volvic. There is no more information about it, and we don’t know when it was erected...

Interviews of local people

Nathalie, 46: “I have never paid much attention to this sculpture.”

Jacques, 63: “It is rather simple and discreet, it is part of the decor and we do not really notice it.”

Pierre, 56: “We do not really see what it represents; the engravings are abstract in form, except the handprints.”

Marcel, 72: “I love this sculpture, it’s beautiful. It’s my favourite sculpture because it is not like the others.”

Dialogue

BGR: Hey!

Child: Oh, a big ball that speaks! Who are you?

BGR: I’m the BGR!

Child: The what?

BGR: I’m the Big Globe of Riom! I’m unique!

Child: But why are you here?

BGR: Some people stuck me down, so I can’t move…

Child: Are you happy here?

BGR: Yes, of course Riom is a beautiful little city. I see a lot of people in the restaurants, bars, or on their way to church… This street is very busy. On some days the weather is good, at other times, less. Imagine if they had put me in Siberia, I would have frozen, or in Africa, I would have melted!

Child: Do you often speak to people?

BGR: I try to, but people don’t often listen, they are in too much of a hurry…