Spring in Paris is a time of renewal and vibrant energy, a perfect metaphor for the dynamic and diverse exhibitions gracing the city’s galleries this season. From the contemplative works of Julian Charrière at Perrotin to the boundary-pushing pieces by Lauren Halsey at Gagosian, the city’s art scene is a testament to the innovative spirit of contemporary artists. These notable Paris exhibitions at Perrotin, Mendes Wood, Gagosian, the Bourse de Commerce, Galerie Derouillon, and Chantal Crousel, each offer a unique perspective on art and society.
Julian Charrière: Panchronic Gardens
Perrotin
Installation view of Julian Charrière’s “Panachronic Gardens,” photo by Claire Dorn, courtesy of Perrotin Gallery.
Installation view of Julian Charrière’s “Panachronic Gardens,” photo by Claire Dorn, courtesy of Perrotin Gallery.
April 13–June 1, 2024
10 Imp. Saint-Claude, 75003 Paris, France
Julian Charrière‘s solo exhibition at Perrotin is a compelling exploration of the intersection between nature and human activity. Known for his multidisciplinary approach, Charrière’s work often examines the impact of human endeavors on the environment. His latest show, “Panchronic Gardens,” continues this exploration with a series of pieces that challenge viewers to consider their relationship with the natural world.
One of the standout pieces is “Towards No Earthly Pole,” a mesmerizing video installation that captures the artist’s expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and inhospitable landscapes. Through this and other works, Charrière invokes a sense of wonder and urgency, urging us to reflect on the fragility of our planet and the consequences of our actions. The exhibition is both a visual and intellectual journey, compelling us to reconsider our place within the natural order.
What we loved: This is Charrière’s first exhibition with Perrotin, and includes immersive installations including Panachronic Garden, which transports visitors into an infrared plant-filled garden.
Sonia Gomes:…vivem no compasso do sol
Mendes Wood DM
Sonia Gomes, “Compasso do Sol,” 2024, 130 x 93 x 5 cm, drawing, collage, stitching and bindings, vinyl paint, acrylic marker and threads on linen and lace, watercolor on paper; courtesy of Mendes Wood DM.
June 5–July 27, 2024
25 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris France
At Mendes Wood, “…vivem no compasso do sol” features an array of sculptures, bronzes, collages, and drawings by Sonia Gomes. The exhibition celebrates Gomes’ practice of breathing life into the textiles and fibers that she works with. The exhibition brings together pieces that all lean into Gomes’ exploration of renewal, transformation, and storytelling within her creations.
One notable work, also entitled Compasso do Sol, serves as the foundation for Gomes’ Paris show. Featuring different mediums including stitching, drawing, collage, and binding, the oeuvre is a testimony to Gomes’ ability to blend together various textiles into a harmonious but dynamic ensemble. This exhibition is a woven portrayal of the power of reshaping what exists around us, through uplifting the many lives of a given fabric.
What we loved: “…vivem no compasso do sol” marks Gomes’ first solo exhibition in Paris, presenting her newest creations to visitors.
Lauren Halsey
Gagosian
Lauren Halsey, “slo but we sho: everybody is going to make it this time,” 2024, 113 3/4 x 116 1/8 x 19 3/8 inches, mixed media on foil-insulated foam and wood; © Lauren Halsey, photo by Thomas Lannes, courtesy the artist and Gagosian.
March 25–May 25, 2024
4 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris, France
Lauren Halsey‘s debut solo exhibition at Gagosian is a groundbreaking exploration of Afrofuturism and urban culture. Halsey’s work is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical landscapes of South Central Los Angeles, reimagining these spaces through a lens of radical imagination and empowerment.
The Paris exhibition features large-scale installations and sculptures that combine elements of architecture, graffiti, and Egyptian symbolism, creating an immersive environment that celebrates Black culture and history. Halsey’s work is a vibrant declaration of identity and resistance, transforming the gallery space into a monument to the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities. Her bold use of color and form creates a dynamic visual experience that is both uplifting and thought-provoking.
What we loved: Halsey’s eigh-foot-tall pieces include layered and three dimensional aspects and mixed media, thus bridging the artistic and real world as the canvas reaches out to the viewer.
Le Monde Comme Il Va
Bourse de Commerce
View of the exhibition “Le monde comme il va,” at Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, Paris, 2024, © Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, Niney et Marca Architectes, agence Pierre-Antoine Gatier, photo by Nicolas Brasseur / Pinault Collection.
Installation view of the exhibition “Le monde comme il va,” at Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, Paris, 2024, © Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, Niney et Marca Architectes, agence Pierre-Antoine Gatier, photo by Nicolas Brasseur / Pinault Collection.
March 20–September 2, 2024
2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris, France
“Le Monde Comme Il Va” at the Bourse de Commerce offers a panoramic view of contemporary art’s engagement with the complexities of the modern world. The exhibition, whose title translates to “The World As It Goes,” features a diverse array of 31 artists whose contemporary works respond to current social, political, and environmental issues. Featured artists include Jeff Koons, Peng Yu, Damien Hirst, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Cindy Sherman.
The Bourse de Commerce, with its historical architecture and modern renovations, provides a striking backdrop for the exhibition. The show includes a mix of mediums, from painting and sculpture to video and installation, each piece contributing to a larger discourse on the state of the world today. The exhibition challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider new perspectives on global issues, making it a timely and powerful statement on the role of art in society.
What we loved: This exhibition features Duchamp 1200 Coal Bags, an immersive reinterpretation of Marcel Duchamp’s 1938 ready-made surrealist pieces.
“What happens when we cry?”
Galerie Derouillon
Installation view of “What Happens When we Cry,” photo © Gregory Copitet, courtesy of Galerie Derouillion.
May 16–June 29, 2024
13 R. de Turbigo, 75002 Paris, France
Galerie Derouillon‘s spring group show entitled “What happens when we cry?” brings together a diverse roster of artists, each presenting a unique vision that collectively forms a rich tapestry of contemporary thought. The exhibition is a celebration of artistic diversity, featuring works that range from abstract painting to figurative sculpture.
The group’s cohesion lies in their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of their respective mediums. Each artist brings a distinct voice to the exhibition, yet there is a palpable synergy among the works that speaks to common themes of identity, memory, and transformation. With its focus on the influence of boiling inner emotion on the outer self, this show is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dynamic possibilities that emerge when diverse artistic voices converge.
What we loved: The exhibit brings artists from France, Korea, the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and Iran to work in dialogue at Paris’ gallery.
Nick Mauss: Close-fitting Night
Chantal Crousel
Installation view of Nick Mauss’ “Close-fitting Night,” photo by Martin Argyroglo, courtesy of Galerie Cantal Crousel.
March 23–May 25, 2024
10 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France
Nick Mauss’s first exhibition at Chantal Crousel is a captivating exploration of form, movement, and the interplay between the two. Known for his interdisciplinary approach, Mauss’s work often blurs the lines between drawing, sculpture, and performance, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for viewers.
The exhibition features a series of new works that continue Mauss’s exploration of the body and its movements. His pieces, which include intricate drawings and sculptural installations, evoke a sense of fluidity and grace, inviting viewers to engage with the physicality of the artworks. Mauss’s ability to capture the essence of movement in static forms is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking, making this exhibition a highlight of the spring season.
What we loved: “Close-fitting night” marks the first time Mauss has brought together various pieces in his many explored mediums into the same show, from ceramics to sketches.
