It's the most anticipated gathering for contemporary art enthusiasts. Paris+ by Art Basel (formerly FIAC) is back for its second edition from October 20th to 22nd. In addition to the 154 exhibitors at the Grand Palais Éphémère, a selection of artworks is displayed in iconic locations across Paris, and it's all free! We've prepared a curated itinerary that will make for the perfect weekend stroll.
Urs Fischer on Place Vendôme
We start right in front of the Ritz on Place Vendôme! An annual must-see event, one of the most beautiful squares in the capital hosts a contemporary art piece that's sure to create a buzz - hello, Paul McCarthy's Tree. Now, a monumental wave crashes over the most glamorous square in Paris, as Swiss artist Urs Fischer installs his "Wave," created in 2018 and presented by Gagosian: a 5-meter-tall sculpture made of aluminum. A true tsunami of art!
Place Vendôme, Paris 1st, until December 1st.
"The Fifth Season" at the Tuileries Garden
Just a few steps away, an open-air exhibition takes place in the Tuileries Garden. "The Fifth Season" offers a stroll to ponder nature in a place where animals, plants, and humans intertwine. The massive sculptures by 26 artists address themes such as the environment, ecological change, and modern cities. Among them, you'll find the ultra-modern BCC house by Jean Prouvé and Pierre Jeanneret from 1942, primarily made of wood, a sculpture by the General Idea collective paying tribute to AIDS victims, and four unique sculptures by the photographer-turned-artist Zanele Muholi, displayed directly on the Tuileries grass.
Tuileries Garden, Paris 1st. From October 18th to 22nd.
Tribute to Baudelaire at Guerlain
Watch out, this autumn, Guerlain is bolder than ever! The theme of the exhibition hosted at its Maison des Champs-Élysées has particularly inspired the 26 invited artists, as it revolves around Charles Baudelaire's provocative poetry collection, "Les Fleurs du Mal" (The Flowers of Evil). Deemed too risqué when it was first published in 1857, it risked bankruptcy for its author but was ultimately saved by the grace of Empress Eugénie, Guerlain's muse. Throughout the boutique, you'll discover works with character: some are inspired by the poetic side of flowers (Duy Anh Nhan Duc's exquisite "Constellation of Dandelions" and Jean-Marie Appriou's romantic-fantastic sculptures), while others delve into their eroticism (the iconic phallic photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe, Roni Landa's ultra-realistic anatomical roses, and Nobuyoshi Araki's sensual blooms). Fascinating!
"The Flowers of Evil" at Maison Guerlain, 68 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th, until November 13th (free admission), in partnership with Paris+ by Art Basel. © Courtesy of 193 Gallery & Thandiwe Muriu
Paris + Art Basel. From October 17th to 22nd. Online information available.
Also, don't miss the captivating Chagall exhibition at the Centre Pompidou and the best exhibitions of the autumn season.
