Written by our contributer Anastasiia Garnova
What is Paris Gallery Weekend?
Paris Gallery Weekend is a three-day event dedicated to contemporary art. The event showcases a wide range of artistic expressions across numerous galleries in Paris. You can enjoy an inspiring art binge-watching session, attend openings or closings, tours, art brunches, artist talks, or simply wander through the galleries.
When and Where?
Paris Gallery Weekend 2024 will take place from May 24th to May 26th. During these three days, more than 90 galleries across Paris will open their doors to the public. The event spans various neighbourhoods, including the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the 8th arrondissement, each offering a distinctive cultural backdrop. For detailed information, including gallery locations and event schedules, visit the official website. It’s the go-to resource for planning your visit and ensuring you don’t miss any highlights.
Our Recommendations
With so many galleries participating, it’s challenging to choose where to start. Here are some standout exhibitions that you should consider adding to your itinerary:
1. Guided Tours at Galerie Perrotin
There are guided tours at the Galerie Perrotin (76, rue de Turenne) for the current exhibitions. Our top picks are Klara Kristalova’s show titled “Beast” and “Panchronic Gardens” by Julian Charrière. Check all the tours here.
- Klara Kristalova’s exhibition, “Beast,” presents a fantastical array of ceramic sculptures that blur the lines between reality and imagination. Her works often feature hybrid creatures and mythical beings, creating a narrative that is both haunting and enchanting.
- Julian Charrière’s exhibition, “Panchronic Gardens,” investigates the intersection of nature and technology through immersive installations and thought-provoking visuals. His work encourages viewers to reflect on environmental changes and the passage of time.
Even without a tour, these exhibitions are highly recommended.
Photo: Claire Dorn. © Klara Kristalova / ADAGP, Paris, 2024. Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin
2. Exhibitions at Thaddaeus Ropac Marais
Last chance to see this remarkable exhibition before it closes! For her first exhibition in France, Zadie Xa presents a captivating solo show at Thaddaeus Ropac until May 26th, 2024. Drawing on her Korean heritage and its rich mythological tradition, Xa’s exhibition includes paintings, textile works, and bronze sculptures, reflecting her unique artistic vision.
Simultaneously, from May 24th to July 27th, 2024, Thaddaeus Ropac hosts “Carbon and Air,” an exhibition of Sean Scully’s rarely exhibited works on paper. All the info is here.
© Charles Duprat
3. Solo Exhibition by Martin Parr at Clémentine de la Féronnière Gallery
Martin Parr’s solo exhibition at Clémentine de la Féronnière Gallery is another must-see during Paris Gallery Weekend 2024. Running until May 26th, 2024, this is your last chance to experience Parr’s insightful and satirical take on the world of fashion and beyond. Martin Parr never leaves anyone indifferent with his unique ability to make the ordinary extraordinary and to provoke thought and laughter in equal measure. Check the details here.
Insider Tips
To make the most of your Paris Gallery Weekend experience, consider these practical tips:
- Plan Your Route: With numerous galleries to visit, planning your itinerary in advance can help you cover more ground and see all the exhibits you’re interested in. The event’s official website offers helpful maps and suggested routes.
- Don’t Plan Your Route: Sometimes, the best discoveries are made when you wander without a strict plan. Let yourself explore the galleries spontaneously, and you might stumble upon unexpected gems and hidden treasures.
- Engage with the Artists: Many galleries organize meet-and-greet sessions with artists. These opportunities provide valuable insights into their creative processes and allow for engaging conversations.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or new to the world of contemporary art, Paris Gallery Weekend 2024 offers a rich and rewarding experience. It celebrates creativity and innovation, set against the timeless and enchanting backdrop of Paris. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art.
For more information, please visit the official website.
Bonus: if you’re in Paris, don’t miss the artistic contribution to the upcoming Olympic Games by Laurent Perbos. Known for his innovative and thought-provoking installations, Perbos is the creator of “Six Venuses,” a striking work for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Read our recent interview with Laurent Perbos here.
About Anastasiia Garnova, Curator and Researcher in Visual Culture
Anastasiia Garnova has honed her expertise through academic pursuits and museum work. She studied at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences at St. Petersburg State University, specializing in Renaissance and Soviet art. Her career path led her to the State Hermitage Museum, where she contributed to the contemporary art department’s curatorial team. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in curating numerous noteworthy contemporary art exhibitions, each drawing an audience of over 20,000 visitors. Now based in London through the Global Talent program, Anastasiia continues to explore her scholarly interests, focusing on the histories of women artists, political art, the cultural narratives of the Global South, and writing on London’s and the world’s art scene.
