On April 3 in Paris, the premier modern and contemporary art fair Art Paris will once again descend upon the legendary Grand Palais, on view through April 6. Throughout newly renovated Nave and balcony realms, visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to discover showcases from 170 dynamic exhibitors hailing from 25 countries.
More inclusive than ever before of the globe’s artistic havens, Art Paris will also debut a groundbreaking program brimming with must-see exhibitions, career-changing prizes, and gripping conversations. In addition, an exclusive VIP program caters to top art collectors and industry professionals, beckoning cultural figureheads from near and far to come together for an era-defining presentation.
Local and International Galleries Unite Alongside Thematic Explorations
Courtesy of Art Paris.
As a local gem and an international spectacle, Art Paris 2025 unites innovative French galleries with distinguished international spaces. Forever embracing the burgeoning vision of young galleries, the fair’s Promises platform uplifts highly-exploratory emerging artists. Fresh exhibitors Mennour, Semiose, and Christian Berst are juxtaposed with returning galleries such as Continua, Lelong, Loeven-bruck, Meessen, Nathalie Obadia, Michel Rein, Almine Rech and Templon.
In an additional fair highlight, guest curators Amélie Adamo, a writer and independent curator, and Numa Hambursin, General Director of MO.CO. (Montpellier Contemporain), will dive into revelatory themes within “Immortal: A Focus on Figurative Painting in France.” Centering on 30 artists derived from exhibiting spaces, a riveting historical investigation of creatives across generations—and the current vivacity of figurative painting—will unfold in Paris.
Explore Skillfully Curated Exhibitions and the New French Design Art Edition
Jean-Yves Lanvin,
“Console Wave,” 2025,
© Jean-Yves Lanvin, Courtesy of Art Paris.
“Out of Bounds,” spearheaded by independent exhibition curator Simon Lamunière, will stunningly link 18 international artists in a full embrace of multiethnicity by collaging geography, kinship, culture and more. Meanwhile, the Promises platform, curated by Marc Donnadieu, uplifts 25 emerging galleries—more than ever before—alongside the Solo Show of 26 monographic presentations radiating with modern and contemporary wonders.
Further, the commencement of the French Design Art Edition at Art Paris revels in revolutionary design and profound contemporary decorative arts. Led in collaboration with Le FRENCH DESIGN Directors Jean-Paul Bath and Sandy Saad, and designed by architects Jakob+MacFarlane, 18 exhibitors celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts.
Momentous Prizes and Panel Conversations Ensue
Tang Contemporary Art, Kizzo, “Turbulent Flight,” Courtesy of the artist and Art Paris.
Momentous prizes will be awarded at Art Paris 2025. The 2025 BNP Paribas Banque Privée Prize returns for its second iteration with 25 nominated creatives including Ronan Barrot (Galerie Claude Bernard), Marion Bataillard (Paris-B), Maty Biayenda (Double V Gallery), and Vincent Bioulès (Galerie La Forest Divonne). In addition, Her Art Prize is a notable new award concentrating on the transcendent spirit of women artists. 12 pioneering finalists were selected for this prestigious award, such as Sama Alshaibi (Galerie Esther Woerdehoff), Maty Biayenda (Double V Gallery), and Gillian Brett (C+N Gallery CANEPANERI).
Much-anticipated talks will take place throughout the vibrant days of the fair. On Friday, April 4, “A woman’s take on outsider art” will surely spark an illuminating conversation between artist Annette Messager; French academic, art critic and novelist Philippe Dagen; and Christian Berst, Founder and Director of Galerie Christian Berst. In addition, on Sunday, April 6, “The revival of surreal and dreamlike elements in painting—introspection meets social issues,” will be a perceptive panel discussion moderated by author and art historian Amélie Adamo, with inventive artists Pat Andrea, Marcella Barcelo, Robert Combas, and Laurent Proux.
Gallery Highlights at Art Paris 2025
Maty Biayenda at Double V Gallery
Maty Biayenda,
“L’étoile rouge,” 2024,
Acrylic on cotton canvas,
146 × 167 cm;
Courtesy of the artist & Double V Gallery,
Photo credit : Romain Darnaud.
Namibia-born artist Maty Biayenda invokes the heritage of her French mother and Congolese father in prismatic works ascending with contemporary social discourse on cultural melding and transgender identities. Inspired by masters such as Édouard Manet and Georgia O’Keeffe, Biayenda’s artistry glows with elements of high drama, beguiling portraiture, and immersive color.
Barbara Navi at Galerie Valerie Delaunay
Barbara Navi,
“L’heure bleue,” 2024,
Oil on canvas,
89 × 147 cm;
Courtesy of the artist & Galerie Valerie Delaunay.
French artist Barbara Navi studied architecture and philosophy at the legendary Sorbonne, leading to a meticulous creative process which includes photography, iconographic research, collage, and layouts. Her poetic, haunting pieces speak to the indefiniteness of life as we know it with blurred imagery and surreal, contradictory moments.
Marlène Mocquet at Galerie BSL
Marlène Mocquet,
“La terre des dinosaures,” 2024,
Mixed media on canvas,
118 × 201 cm;
Courtesy of the artist & Galerie BSL,
Photo credit : François Séjourné.
Visionary Marlène Mocquet delights all ages with freeform, experiential drawings, paintings, installations, and sculptures. Captivating with rich color, fantastical characters, and sensorial motifs, the artist weaves a singular narrative which deftly targets the heart of society’s most pressing issues.
