Paris is a city renowned for its rich art history, and 2023 is shaping up to be another remarkable year for art lovers. From modern retrospectives to classical masterpieces, here’s a look at some of the must-see art exhibitions happening across the city.
Sayed Haider Raza: A Retrospective
Centre Pompidou: Feb 15 – May 15, 2023
Sayed Haider Raza, a pioneering Indian artist and one of the founding members of the Progressive Artists Group in Mumbai, gets his first major retrospective in Paris. This exhibition showcases Raza’s work during his time in Paris, exploring the evolution of his unique style influenced by transcultural dynamics. With a focus on his modern Indian journey, this exhibition presents a comprehensive look at his artistic milestones from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Chagall: Paris – New York, The New Immersive Experience
Atelier des Lumières: Feb 17, 2023 – Jan 14, 2024
Marc Chagall’s vibrant and iconic work takes center stage in this immersive digital experience at the Atelier des Lumières. The exhibition highlights Chagall’s creative journey, focusing on his connections to Paris and New York. Through stunning projections and digital technologies, visitors can experience Chagall’s art in a completely new way, making it a must-see for fans of the artist’s colorful and emotive works.
Germaine Richier: Sculpting the 20th Century
Centre Pompidou: Mar 1 – Jun 12, 2023
Germaine Richier, one of the 20th century’s most significant sculptors and the first woman to be exhibited at the National Museum of Modern Art, is celebrated in this retrospective. Known for her striking works in bronze, Richier’s sculptures redefine human and natural forms, with a particular focus on the post-war era. This exhibition highlights her unique contributions to modern art.
Matisse. Cahiers d’art: The Pivotal 1930s
Musée de l’Orangerie: Mar 1 – May 29, 2023
This exhibition focuses on a selection of rarely seen works by Henri Matisse from the 1930s. By showcasing his drawings, prints, photographs, and publications, it illuminates this crucial period in Matisse’s career. The collection offers a glimpse into the artist’s evolving creative process during the height of his Fauvist style.
Giovanni Bellini: Crossed Influences
Musée Jacquemart-André: Mar 3 – July 17, 2023
The 2023 exhibition at Musée Jacquemart-André explores the work of Giovanni Bellini, one of the Renaissance’s most influential artists. With approximately fifty masterpieces from European collections, this exhibition offers a deep dive into Bellini’s contributions to the Venetian School, showcasing his innovative style and the legacy he left on Renaissance art.
Neo-romantics
Musée Marmottan Monet: Mar 8 – Jun 18, 2023
The Musée Marmottan Monet presents an exploration of the Neo-romantic movement, a post-modern movement that emerged in the 1920s. Featuring works by artists like Christian Bérard, Pavel Tchelitchew, and Eugène, this exhibition highlights the return to figuration and the questioning of abstraction, creating a link between Picasso, surrealism, and the figurative art of the 20th century.
Léon Monet: A Life in Color
Musée du Luxembourg: Mar 15 – July 16, 2023
Léon Monet, the lesser-known brother of Claude Monet, is the focus of this unique exhibition. A chemist and industrialist, Léon played a pivotal role in Claude’s career. This show reveals his influence through a fascinating collection of works, including paintings, drawings, and items that reflect his involvement in the world of color and light, alongside works by his famous brother and their contemporaries.
Manet/Degas: The Friendship and the Art
Musée d’Orsay: Mar 18 – Jul 23, 2023
Manet and Degas are two of the most important figures of 19th-century art. This exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay highlights their friendship, contrasting their artistic paths while celebrating their shared influence on modern art. With a focus on the tension between tradition and innovation, it offers a deeper understanding of their roles in the development of post-impressionist art.
Elliott Erwitt: A Retrospective
Musée Maillol: Mar 23 – Aug 15, 2023
Elliott Erwitt, a celebrated street photographer known for his iconic portraits of celebrities and everyday life, is honored with this comprehensive retrospective. Featuring both black and white and color works, the exhibition showcases Erwitt’s ability to capture the essence of people and places, from intimate moments to public figures like Marilyn Monroe and Che Guevara.
Basquiat x Warhol: Painting 4 Hands
Fondation Louis Vuitton: Apr 5 – Aug 28, 2023
One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibitions of 2023, Basquiat x Warhol: Painting 4 Hands at Fondation Louis Vuitton highlights the collaborative works of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. The show features around 160 paintings created by the two iconic artists during the mid-1980s, alongside individual works by each. It’s a powerful exploration of their creative partnership and its impact on contemporary art.
Paris is once again proving to be a hub for extraordinary art exhibitions in 2023. With a range of shows celebrating both historical and contemporary artists, there’s no better time to visit the city and experience these incredible displays of creativity. Whether you’re a fan of modern art, classical masterpieces, or immersive digital experiences, Paris has something for everyone this year.
