Contemporary Art Week in Paris… Creativity under strict security measures

The modern and contemporary art exhibition, now organized under the supervision of “Art Basel”, launched in Paris amid the “maximum” alert level in the face of the risk of “attacks”, the highest security. Caution in France in light of unrest in Middle East.

Days after a teacher was killed in front of a school in Arras, northern France, organizers said “security measures have been strengthened” and are “in contact with the authorities to ensure maximum safety for spectators”. Exhibitors in light of fears about the security consequences of war between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Swiss artist Urs Fischer’s gigantic sculptures titled “The Wave” were housed in the Place Vendôme, while works by international artists spread across the Tuileries Gardens.

In the square in front of the Institut de France (Institut de France), where the French academies are located, American Sheila Hicks, known for her riotous works of wool, linen and cotton, has installed.

As for the Aena Palace, you can see the never-before-seen work of Frenchman Daniel Buren and Italian Michelangelo Pistoletto.

However, the event will focus on the temporary “Grand Palais” center, which will be installed until the completion of the major restoration of the “Grand Palais” in 2024, as the site houses more than 150 works of art from around 30 countries. .

With Britain’s exit from the European Union and London’s role as a bastion of the art market in Europe diminished, many international gallery owners and organizers moved to Paris, attracted by the aura of its new exhibition centers and its major cultural institutions. .

One of the last of these exhibitions to go to Paris is the Swiss “Hauser & Wirth”, which has more than 15 locations around the world, and includes works by Americans Rashid Johnson, Chloe Bourgeois and Sophie Tauber-Arp. and Mark Bradford, or the Frenchman Pierre Vic.

The exhibition director said, “The collapse of cryptocurrencies, the war in Ukraine and inflation are factors that have had an effect on the art market, but Paris is a gateway to the European market as 50% of transactions in the art market. The EU witnesses take place in France, which has strengthened its ranking as the fourth country in the world. “In this area .

At the same time, several trade fairs spread across the French capital, including the first by Design Miami, a world leader in design fairs. The Asia Now exhibition is dedicated to contemporary Asian art with a focus on Central Asia and textiles, while AKAA (also known as Africa) focuses on contemporary African artists.

Clement Delebain said, “In 2022, we saw people we are not used to seeing, with high-quality works and personalities like (international gallery owner) David Zwirner, who announced sales of 11 million euros on the opening day or sold out during the Young Galleries Fair.” It points to collaborations in the coming year with theatres, opera houses and the worlds of fashion and music.

• Since Britain’s departure from the European Union, London’s role as an art market has declined in favor of Paris.