In 2020, the fair for modern and contemporary art "Art Paris" was one of the few art events that did not have to be canceled.
After two courageous date changes, the actual spring fair finally took place in September and was able to benefit from the narrow time window without strict pandemic restrictions.
While the big autumn fair Fiac, which was to be held just a month later, had to give up, Art Paris scored with 56,000 visitors and satisfied galleries through successful business.
Also this year the fair is under a good star. With its 23rd edition, it is currently inaugurating the temporary “Grand Palais Éphémère”, which will replace the historic building that has been closed for restoration work by autumn 2024. The mobile construction by the French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte adopts architectural elements of the Grand Palais such as the cruise ship-like basic shape and looks light and elegant despite a strong double vault structure made of wood, which is covered with a plastic membrane. The temporary palace with its arched shape nestles like a large greenhouse in the elongated meadow park of the Champs-de-Mars and offers a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower. On the midsummer opening day, the garden restaurant became a photogenic main attraction,while enthusiasm could be felt in the well-attended exhibition hall: an authentic joy of the art world to meet again in person.
In contrast to the international high-priced Fiac, which is one of the world's top art fairs, Art Paris relies on a regional focus in the medium price segment. This is an advantage in times of pandemic. Global trade fairs such as the Maastricht Tefaf, which was supposed to open this weekend, had to be canceled. Guillaume Piens has been directing the fortunes of Art Paris since 2012 and developed the concept of a “cosmopolitan regionalism” for the fair. The focus is on the French art scene with an opening to galleries and collectors from neighboring countries. Each year, one region of the world is in focus, such as Africa, Southeast Asia or the Iberian Peninsula. Art Paris has so far not been an option for the major international dealers, but also for the French “cutting edge” galleries.But the failure of numerous trade fairs last year drew the powerful gallery owner Emmanuel Perrotin there. "The success of the 2020 edition," explains Guillaume Piens in an interview with Art Newspaper, "has moved many galleries to come to us." For the first time, Thaddaeus Ropac, Almine Rech, Kamel Mennour, Massimo de Carlo or the galleries Continua and Lelong are there too. Together with their artists, they ensure increasing prestige.Together with their artists, they ensure increasing prestige.Together with their artists, they ensure increasing prestige.
The exhibition space in the “Grand Palais Éphémère” is 25 percent smaller than in the historic Palais, which is now closed. Two thirds of the 140 participants are French. 57 galleries are participating for the first time or have returned; some came from afar, from South Korea, Guatemala or the Ivory Coast. In every issue a curator takes a “look at the French scene”: this time, Hervé Mikaeloff chose the theme “Portrait and Figuration” - in unpredictable times, classic subjects also give a feeling of security. In addition to well-known artists such as Yan Pei Ming at Ropac or the young, up-and-coming Claire Tabouret at Almine Rech, also collected by François Pinault, Mikaeloff enables discoveries:like the young artist Rose Barberat at the Pact gallery or the Romanian painter Alin Bozbiciu at Suzanne Tarasiève. The prices at the fair are on average less than 100,000 euros. At Claude Bernard's, three wonderful large-format abstractions by Geneviève Asse, with the typical Asse sky blue, celebrate the recently deceased French artist for 180,000 euros each. The most expensive work can be found at Hélène Bailly: In her solo show on Picasso hangs an erotic pastel drawing “Little Boy and Seated Woman” from 1967, for which a price of 1.2 million euros is given.The recently died French artist. The most expensive work can be found at Hélène Bailly: In her solo show on Picasso hangs an erotic pastel drawing “Little Boy and Seated Woman” from 1967, for which a price of 1.2 million euros is given.The recently died French artist. The most expensive work can be found at Hélène Bailly: In her solo show on Picasso hangs an erotic pastel drawing “Little Boy and Seated Woman” from 1967, for which a price of 1.2 million euros is given.
Art Paris in the Grand Palais Éphémère; until September 12th. Daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., admission 30 euros.