Springtime is nearly here which means exhibits are flourishing! Musement takes a look at five not-to-miss spring exhibitions in Paris.
No matter where you explore or what you seek, culture in Paris is always abloom, and you can always find a way to nurture your mind. From permanent exhibitions at some of the greatest museums in the world like the Louvre or Orsay Museum to smaller art galleries, street art, theatrical performances, and concerts, Paris always offers plenty to do! Here’s a look at five temporary exhibitions in spring 2019 that are worth a visit.
1. “Black Models: From Géricault to Matisse” – Musée d’Orsay
This exhibition examines the representation of black figures in the visual arts from the time France abolished slavery in 1815 to the present, focusing on the dialogue and relationship between artist and model. Through contemplation of major works by artists such as Géricault, Manet, Cézanne, Matisse—but also Afro-American contemporaries Romare Bearden and Faith Ringgold and photographers Nadar and Carjat—visitors can wonder over the evolution of how black subjects were represented and, therefore, ideas over the last two centuries.
When: March 26-July 14, 2019
2. “An Electro Dream, from Kraftwerk to Daft Punk” – Paris Philharmonia
Are you a night owl? Do you love swaying to the sounds of Bob Moog or Juan Atkins? Well, if you wish to learn a little more about the history of electronic music, from its birth in the underground clubs of Chicago and Detroit more than thirty years ago to the present, go to the Paris Philharmonia for “An Electro Dream, from Kraftwerk to Daft Punk.” The exhibition analyzes the electro cultural phenomenon and decrypts its political and counter-cultural dimension through images of changes within society. The multi-sensory experience is accompanied by a soundtrack entrusted to the famous DJ Laurent Garnier.
When: April 9-August 11, 2019
3. Vasarely, Sharing Forms – Center Pompidou
Vasarely and optical art! Through approximately 300 pieces of Vasarely that include paintings, sculptures, and advertising, this exhibition traces the path of the founding father of “op art” from its beginnings in the footsteps of the Bauhaus movement to its latest innovations. The exhibition at the Centre Pompidou is a unique opportunity to dive into the world of a popular artist who particularly marked the culture and society of the sixties and seventies, a veritable reincarnation of imagination from the Glorious Thirties.
When: February 6-May 6, 2019
4. Hammershø, the master of Danish painting – Musée Jacquemart-André
In addition to its standard treasures, the evocative Jacquemart-André Museum will offer an exhibition dedicated to the works of Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershøi and his dreamy, solitary universe characterized by stripped silence and mysterious atmosphere. For the first time, the spotlight will be put on the link between the artist and his entourage. To better penetrate his world, Vilhelm Hammershøi’s works will be contrasted with paintings from others close to him, including his brother Svend Hammershøi, brother-in-law Peter Ilsted, and friend Carl Holsøe.
When: March 14-July 22, 2019
5. Franz Marc and August Macke, 1909-1914 – Musee de l’orangerie
Uncover the history of the German Expressionist movement via the works of Franz Marc and August Macke, two key figures of the Der Blaue Reiter movement. This exhibition at the Musee de l’orangerie traces their entire journey, from the beginning of their friendship in Paris, walking in the footsteps of French artists until their mobilization in 1914 which marked the end of their lives and therefore their career. The exhibition allows visitors to follow the evolution of their art punctuated by important dates: 1910 and their stay in Paris, and then 1911 and their meeting with Vassily Kandinsky, who marked a turning point in their painting and the birth of the famous little blue horses by Franz Marc, inspiring the choice of the name of their group of artists, Der Blaue Reiter, or “Blue Rider.” Finally, 1913 marks the transition to abstraction for Franz Marc, and 1914 is the year of a particularly remarkable journey that August Macke undertook in Tunisia alongside Paul Klee and Louis Moilliet.
When: March 6-June 17, 2019
Photo credit: jean louis mazieres on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA