Behind the Scenes in Paris: Portes Ouvertes de Belleville
Story and photos by Tory Hoen, Haven in Paris Correspondent
It’s funny to think how my first visit to Paris involved the requisite art stops (the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay), and how I now get my artistic thrills by lurking in the dark doorways of artist ateliers in Paris’ fringy Belleville neighborhood. But as my relationship with the city has evolved, my understanding of the “real” Paris has evolved as well. I’m not knocking the d’Orsay (it’s worth it every time), but today’s contemporary art scene often happens behind closed doors. A few times a year, these doors open up, and I was lucky enough to be in Paris last week for the Portes Ouvertes de Belleville. (more…)
Paris Insolite: A View Through 48 Eyes
What happens when 24 pairs of eyes really see Paris? The result is a photography exhibition rich in diversity, unique perspective, and talent—showcasing American fine art photographer Meredith Mullins and 23 emerging artists who are her Paris-based students, ranging in age from 17 to 82 and representing a host of countries. (more…)
Paris Artseen: Fahd El Jaoudi
Story by Jennifer K. Dick for Eye Prefer Paris
Split between cultures, places. It’s the tale of the modern age. To write here in Paris, in English, of art coming from elsewhere. Intersections. Or, as Fahd El Jaoudi puts it in his new show’s title: “Collision”. One of ten young artists (all between 23 and 34 years old) being represented by the relatively new, dynamic Galerie e.l Bannwarth run by Emilie Bannwarth, El Jaoudi is himself a collision. (more…)
Paris Artseen: Maryanne Pollock at Chez Grace
Story & photos by Jennifer K. Dick for Eye Prefer Paris
A humid Saturday early evening, I climb the turreted staircase in Abbesses metro station to emerge onto a colourful children’s fair with trampolines, cotton candy, a merry-go-round. I wander a short block along the bustling rue des Abesses, once the haunt of Picasso, Picabia, Dali, Van Gogh, Monet, then knock on the door of Grace Teshima’s third floor apartment. The walls are stark white, the lighting over a series of tile-sized paintings by American artist Maryanne Pollock is gallery-professional, and yet there are two fabulously inviting crimson couches by big windows overlooking the bustling shop-filled street below. Teshima offers me a drink. I could be the first one at a party, but the room has been emptied of all other furniture and the walls have been carefully hung with three series of paintings and mixed medium works, another series and further works are displayed in an adjoining space. This is my first time at chez Grace, a monthly art salon curated by Teshima and which began four years ago “almost by accident” as she explains. (more…)
Artseen: Boris Achour
Written by Jennifer K. Dick for Eye Prefer Paris
Entering Boris Achour’s show “Conatus: celui dans la grotte” at the gallery Galerie Georges-Philippe & Nathalie Vallois (http://www.galerie-vallois.com/fr/artiste.html), one is struck by a series of contrasts—carnivalesque rainbow paper lines the walls, coats a series of spiked stalactites descending from the ceiling. (more…)
