As the year-end swiftly approaches, Paris is buzzing with new must-see exhibitions. From Iris van Herpen's haute couture gowns at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs to a journey into 11th-century Japan at the Musée Guimet, Juergen Teller's provocative photographs at the Grand Palais Éphémère, Kate Barry's moving retrospective at Quai de la Photo, and the rock tribute to Johnny Hallyday – let this guide lead the way!
The Fashionista's Pick: Iris van Herpen. Sculpting the Senses
Attention fashionistas! The immersive exhibition "Iris van Herpen. Sculpting the Senses" at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs pays majestic homage to the Dutch designer's universe. Visitors stroll among a hundred of her haute couture pieces, engaging with contemporary artworks and natural science collections to unravel the inspirations behind her creations. The Syntopia dress captures the motion of birds through chronophotography, while the iconic Cathedral gown utilizes 3D printing to evoke Northern European Gothic monuments. A groundbreaking moment in the fashion world. As a grand finale, experience a replica of Iris van Herpen's studio, adorned with dozens of fabrics and fabric scraps. A marvel!
"Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses" is on display until April 28, 2024, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st. Find information and book online.
© Kim Keever
The Most Kawaii: At the Court of Prince Genji
For a thousand years, "The Tale of Genji" has fueled the imaginations of artists. Authored by the 11th-century poet Murasaki Shikibu, this psychological novel narrates the love stories of an exiled prince. Explore the heart of the exhibition "At the Court of Prince Genji" at the Guimet Museum, which delves into the book's influence on art throughout history. From kimonos and precious boxes once owned by Marie-Antoinette to contemporary manga and films, the exhibit celebrates the master weaver Itarô Yamaguchi and his four immense scrolls illustrating Genji's tales. An explosion of colors awaits!
"At the Court of Prince Genji: 1000 Years of Japanese Imagination" runs until March 25, 2024, at the Guimet Museum, 6 Place d'Iéna, Paris 16th. Get details and book online.
The Most Photographic: Kate Barry. My Own Space
Kate Barry believed photography allowed her to create her own space. A decade after her passing, the Quai de la Photo pays tribute with the exhibition "My Own Space". Over 80 photographs, including melancholic landscapes, fashion shots (for Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar), and portraits (Monica Bellucci, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Vanessa Paradis), are showcased on the floating museum. This retrospective aims to shed light on the work of the still underappreciated artist, who lived sometimes in the shadow of her mother, Jane Birkin, and sisters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon. An undoubtedly touching homage.
"Kate Barry: My Own Space" runs from December 16 to March 20, 2024, at the Quai de la Photographie, 9 Port de la Gare, Paris 13th. Reservation details to be announced. Information available online.
© Kate Barry
The Most Eccentric: Juergen Teller. I Need to Live
Experience the largest solo exhibition dedicated to Juergen Teller to date. Over 800 photographs and videos, including his most famous and provocative works, as well as unreleased pieces, will be displayed at the Grand Palais Éphémère. From the significant Go-Sees series from his early career to candid portraits of artists, including a nude Vivienne Westwood and the magnificent Agnès Varda seen at the Cinémathèque Française, this exhibit covers it all. Teller's fashion shots for Yves Saint-Laurent and models posing nude in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre add a humorous touch. A must-see!
“Juergen Teller: I Need to Live" runs from December 16 to January 9, 2024, at the Grand Palais Éphémère, Place Joffre, Paris 7th. Find information and book online.
Bonus: The Most Rock'n Roll
The end-of-year event! "Johnny Hallyday: The Exhibition", partly curated by Laeticia Hallyday, finally arrives in Paris after its initial stop in Brussels. The journey retraces the career of the "Idol of the Young": reproductions of his office and teenage bedroom, costumes created by Jean-Paul Gaultier, an extensive collection of jewelry, unseen videos and photos, 25 guitars, and even 3 of his own Harley-Davidsons. An immersive audiovisual spectacle will transport visitors into the heart of a Taulier concert. Put on your best cowboy boots and leather jacket!
"Johnny Hallyday: The Exhibition" runs from December 22 to June 19, 2024, at Paris Expo - Porte de Versailles, 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, Paris 15th. Get information and book online.
© Tempora 2023
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