Since its inception in 1999, Art Paris has become a leading spring art event. This week, the fair holds its 26th edition at the Grand Palais Éphémère, with an incredible 136 modern and contemporary art galleries presenting from 25 countries. The fair always centers itself on two themes, and this year, guest curators Éric de Chassey and Nicolas Trembley have selected “Fragile Utopias: A Focus on the French Scene,” and “Art & Craft.”
David Jien, “Effigies du Funk,” 2022. Presented by Bim Bam Gallery France. Courtesy of the artist and Art Paris.
“Fragile Utopias” at Art Paris
“Fragile Utopias” engages with the currents of the French scene, as seen through the eyes of 21 artists, including Moroccan visual artist Yto Barrada, French painter Juliette Roche, and the Hungarian media artist Vera Molnár. De Chassey remarked of the exhibition, “The sole function of the visual arts is not one of representation or decoration, they also provide models that can guide our perception, thoughts and actions, in other words, they contribute to constructing possible utopias.”
Ellande Jaureguiberry, “Nature Morte a la Pomme,” 2022. Courtesy of Galerie 22, the artist, and Art Paris.
A Focus on Craft at Art Paris
“Art & Craft” takes its name from the movement that swept Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. In this exhibition, 20 international modern and contemporary artists flaunt their craftsmanship across a diverse range of mediums, from ceramics to glass to tapestry. Sculptural works by Joël Andrianomearisoa are on display, by way of Almine Rech; the Polish sculptor and fiber artist Magdalena Abakanowicz is among the artists featured, courtesy of Richard Saltoun. When discussing the theme, Trembley emphasized the timelessness of artisanship. He mused, “We are rediscovering works by historical and contemporary artists whose approach borrows from the world of craft.”
Patrick Kim-Gustafson, “Sal Comporta,” 2022. Presented by Galerie Marguo, France. Courtesy of the artist and Art Paris.
One sector of the fair, “The Promises,” is entirely devoted to young galleries and the emerging artists they represent. Among these are Bim Bam Gallery (Paris), Soho Revue (London), Maāt Gallery (Paris), and Galerie Felix Frachon (Brussels). Another sector, “Solo Show,” showcases monographic exhibitions inviting viewers to reexamine historical figures in a new light. Jean Hélion, Jacqueline, and Jean Lerat offer stunning contemplations of modern art, while Leyla Cardenas, Lucia Hierro, and Katia Kameli present a microcosm of emerging art as it stands.
Art Paris has always aimed to celebrate the French art scene alongside international galleries, and this year is no exception: 60% of the galleries on display are French, with exciting displays from Bienvenu Steinberg & J from New York, Circle Art Agency from Kenya, Etemad from Iran, and Soho Revue from London.
Art Paris is open to the public through Sunday, April 7.
