The projects of Elena Paroucheva aim at emphasizing the above ground networks of energy distribution. Instead of trying to hide them in the landscape, she transforms them into artworks. These projects involve the support of networks and pylons:- Low, medium and high voltage power lines - Renewable energy windmills - Cellular Relay - Antennas - Lighting – highways, stadiums, public spaces, etc. Her are of two kinds: Art Installations: This solution treats the transformation of existing building in the environment. They are investigated according to reception area and allow the modification of the visual aspect of the infrastructure into artistic works. Sculptures: This way explores new forms for pylons to be implanted in the landscape, urban and rural areas. Sculptures use "symbolically" the same modules of metallic construction for the realization of « pylons - sculptures », « antennas - sculptures », « wind energy - sculptures » and “lighting – sculptures”. Website : http://www.electric-art.eu/

1. Art and Environment
● « Networks into Artworks »
● Artist: Elena Paroucheva

2. 1)The artist
Elena Paroucheva, born in Iambol, Bulgaria, and now living near Paris has been working in visual art for
many years. She paints, draws, sculpts, and creates installations and public art. In the last several years she
has been involved in Environmental Art, creating innovative solutions on the aesthetics of our contemporary
world.
Concept:
The projects of Elena Paroucheva aim at emphasizing the above ground networks of energy distribution.
Instead of trying to hide them in the landscape, she transforms them into artworks. These projects involve
the support of networks and pylons:- Low, medium and high voltage power lines - Renewable energy
windmills - Cellular Relay - Antennas - Lighting – highways, stadiums, public spaces, etc.
Her are of two kinds:
Art Installations: This solution treats the transformation of existing building in the environment. They are
investigated according to reception area and allow the modification of the visual aspect of the infrastructure
into artistic works.
Sculptures: This way explores new forms for pylons to be implanted in the landscape, urban and rural
areas. Sculptures use "symbolically" the same modules of metallic construction for the realization of
« pylons - sculptures », « antennas - sculptures », « wind energy - sculptures » and “lighting – sculptures”.

3. 2)”Source” monumental art
Installation
Installation on the transmission electricity
line of 225 000 volts "Amnéville - Montois,
France
The work of art "Source" is unique because
of its concept and its dimensions.
“Source”, the artwork of ELENA
PAROUCHEVA, transforms completely the 1
255 metres of electrical network and 4 high-
tension towers in dream creatures dressed
in illuminated dresses.

5. The Context
At its inauguration in 1950, the 225 000 volt
"Amnéville-Montois" line crossed a former heap of
steel in Lorraine. Since, a tourist and thermal centre
has been developed around.
In 2003, a convention was signed between RTE and
the City of Amnéville-les-Thermes for the
implementation of an artistic treatment of the line.
Rather than burying the line and removing the pylons,
the choice was made to highlight the high voltage line.

7. Genesis of the project:
« Source » is the result of the meeting of two minds:
-That of an artist who wants to preserve for future generations, a
trace of electrical towers, symbols of development of industrial
society,
- The mayor of one wishing to improve the landscape of the thermal
and tourist city of Amnéville.
The reflection led by Elena PAROUCHEVA, has resulted in:
The painting towers. The establishment of guy colourful mid-height of
each tower until to the ground.
The emphasizing by monochrome lighting from the ground, which
boosts the installation and giving the movement at work.
Thus, these 4 pylons simulate a figures dressed in a monumental
dress.
The name "Source" chosen by the artist for his work, based on the
nature of the thermal activities of the town of Amnéville.

8. Photos: Making of “Source” Amnéville les Thermes, France

9. Realization
Realization of the artwork under the supervision of RTE, France
Casting foundations, painting pylons, assemblage of the stays which dress pylons up
to feet.
Each installation is highlighted by monochrome illumination on the ground, ordered
by satellite to illuminate the work at nightfall.
Calendar:
• Two years of negotiations (2001-2003)
• June 2003: signature of a convention confirming the technical and financial
responsibilities of both partners RTE and the City of Amnéville.
• 18 months of study. Validations technical solutions, selection of materials and
measuring implications in terms of security, sustainability of facilities and resistance
to degradation.
• August - December 2003 - achievement in overseeing RTE. The media have been
repainted and equipped guy who dress up feet. Each pylon is highlighted by lighting
a monochrome ground.

10. Photo: Tower No 13, Amnéville, France

11. Photo: Towers No 11, 12 and 13, Amnéville les
Thermes, France

12. « Source » - Key figures
Sizes: 34 meters high, 1255 meters long, 28 meters wide.
Duration of realization: 18 months of studies and 5 working months.
Inauguration: 2.17.2004
Technique: Stay cables and tubes of stainless steel over four high-voltage pylons:3 km of steel
cable, 2 708m of stays, 525m of plastic canvas, 576m of stainless steel tubes, 384 fixations, 40
floodlights controlled by satellite.
Details:
Pylon No. 10, "Source - light" - height 28m.
Pylon No. 11, "Source - water - height 28m.
Pylon No. 12, "Source - energy - height 34m.
Pylon No. 13, "Source - flame" - height 34m.
Location:
Tourist and Spa Center - Amnéville les Thermes (Region Lorraine, France). Site visited by around 5
million tourists per year.
Artist: Elena Paroucheva
Sponsor and management: RTE - Network Transmission of Electricity, France.

13. Recognitions:
"Source" is recognized by the Ministry of Culture, France, a
guided tours are proposed for the tourists during the
“European Heritage Days”. Since 2006 the monumental
artwork of Elena Paroucheva is part of 200 public spaces,
inscribed in “ The European Archive of Urban Public Space ”.
"Source" has been the subject of several editions of books,
calendars, postcards, catalogs.
It is cited by many articles in the regional, national and
international press, as well as other media (TV, radio,
internet ...)
It is presented by many exhibitions, presentations,
conferences.

14. 4) Models for installations:
Photos of models for installation on electric towers: Elena Paroucheva

15. 5) Sculptures:

16. Project « SHT Personnages » for La Défence, France

17. Photo: Sculptures- electric towers, models: Elena Paroucheva

18. Website :
Website : http://www.electric-art.eu/