Paris+
CENTRAL PARIS
The Petit Palais is always on my to-do list. This year, with works by Loris Gréaud, I hope it will make for a delicious clash of the old and new. Also not to be missed are city landmarks, the Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce showing Mike Kelley, and the Foundation Louis Vuitton showing Mark Rothko. I haven’t been yet, but very much look forward to discovering the Lafayette Anticipations showing Issy Wood and the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum showing Kehinde Wiley. Both concepts seem very promising, yet again, juxtaposing the heritage of the brand, person and place with contemporary art evoking relevant themes. Issy Wood and Kehinde Wiley attracted a lot of attention recently, whether receiving prizes or acting as strong voices in debates on the arts ecosystem dynamics.
The Petit Palais
OFFSCREEN PARIS
Location: Grand Garage Haussmann, 43 Rue de Laborde, 75008 Paris
Housed in a truly unique space, Grand Garage Haussman, is one of the most exciting recent initiatives - Offscreen, presenting a curated selection of solo shows dedicated to installations, still or moving image. The structure of traditional art fairs doesn’t allow for more complex - and often more interesting - works to be properly staged hence Offscreen’s format is truly innovative and promising. The 2023 selection of artists - Rosa Barbara, Stefan Bruggemann, Elyn Zimmerman, Thibault Brunet, Daniel Canogar and more - couldn’t be more appealing, and I can’t wait to see the works in a brutalist setting of a former car park. Great sponsors - Dior, Lombard Odier, Wallpaper and the Island - also promise a fun party and a thoughtful programme. Indeed, Scott Stover will talk all things philanthropy and arts ecosystem with Russell Tovey, Aindrea Emelife and Lawrence van Hagen - a series of breakfast conversations not to be missed.
Location of OFFSCREEN
PALAIS D'IENA
Just as exciting as Offscreen, is the exhibition at the Palais d’iéna, bringing together two household names - Michelangelo Pistoletto and Daniel Buren. The curator, Matthieu Poirier, is a dear friend and a true visionary. Following his academic career at the Sorbonne University, he put together several exhibitions which shaped contemporary art history, showcasing overlooked artists, movements, connections or aesthetic concepts. Amongst the most memorable ones are ‘Dynamo. A Century of Light and Movement in Art. 1913–2013’ and ‘Suspension. A History of Abstract Hanging Sculpture. 1918–2018’.
Michelangelo Pistoletto, Galleria Continua, Beijing, 2018 - Photo by: Oak Taylor-Smith
BIENNALE AMOUR VIVANT PARIS
Location: 18 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, 75010 Paris
This year, the inaugural biennale of cultural ecology, Amour Vivant, opens just before Paris+. This unique initiative was co-founded and co-curated by Marie-Cassandre Bultheel, a dear friend, writer, philosopher and a creative, working across diverse disciplines, including academia, culture and wellness. The Biennale Amour Vivant Paris encompasses exhibitions, workshops and conferences centred around sustainable creative practices in the field of design. All this sounds deliciously innovative and holistic - a hallmark of what Marie-Cassandre brings to every impactful project!
LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Each time I go to Paris - which is a 2h train journey from London - I find it utterly alluring and want to move there. I particularly love its juxtapositions; old and new, posh and punk, bistro and gourmet, ready-made and haute couture. Yet, such a density of of culture and chic is difficult to navigate so I have checked in with a few of my friends based there for recommendations as well.
SYLWIA KRASON'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Sylwia is the Founder and Director of Contemporary Lynx Magazine, the first-ever magazine writing about Central and Eastern contemporary art in English
Favourite innovative arts initiative
The Cité Internationale des Arts - an artists' residence which brings together international artists, in the heart of Paris, and allows them to create. Every Wednesday, there is an opportunity to visit the site thanks to the ongoing programme ‘Open Studios’. For the curators and researchers, it is a great opportunity to discover new artists and see their current projects - completed or in progress.
Most anticipated section of Paris+ Art Basel
POUSH is an innovative industrial campus dedicated to contemporary art. Located in Aubervilliers, it aims to support artists by offering them studios along with legal, fiscal and communication assistance. During the Paris+ Art Basel, the work of 260 artists in residence.
POUSH
LINH CHI TRAN LE'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Linh Chi Tran Le is an entrepreneur, and likely the coolest person in Paris who specializes in creating bespoke cultural and food itineraries for people.
Hidden Art Gems - Historical Ateliers
Located by a historical square in the artist’s original studio, Musée National Eugène-Delacroix has the most charming inner garden - a magical oasis, perfect to stop by and recharge during the busy Paris+ week. In a similar style, albeit more modern, Musée Bourdelle is set around the studio, garden & house of Antoine Bourdelle, Rodin's pupil. While utterly chic Ateliers-musée Chana Orloff showcases works by an amazingly creative and ahead-of-her-time female sculptor. Immerse yourself in her unique personal story and art deco interior.
Favourite Bars and Restaurants (and concept places)
Fréquence bar is dedicated to two amazing things: exquisite cocktails and vinyl records. A wooden interior and a great soundtrack make up the perfect environment to enjoy a cocktail after a busy day at the fair. LE RHODIA is one of the coolest restaurants that opened recently where unique decor is in sync with art-like fusion cuisine. Opened this summer, CRAVAN Paris 6e is a typically Parisian place - skilfully combining a bar, a restaurant, a bookshop and more in a 17th-century townhouse. This unique venue - referred to as ‘cocktail-centric’ - was conceived by Franck Audoux, once historian, later restaurateur, turned mixologist. No doubt such a track record promises a special experience!
Ateliers-musée Chana Orloff
