Must-See Art Guide: Paris

This week's guide includes Wifredo Lam, Erwin Wurm, and Robert Holyhead.

Robert Holyhead, Untitled (2015). Courtesy of Galerie Max Hetzler, Berlin | Paris.
Wifredo Lam, The Jungle (1943). Courtesy of The Centre Pompidou.

Wifredo Lam, The Jungle (1943). Courtesy of The Centre Pompidou.

Everybody knows Paris as a world capital for art and culture, but there’s so much more to see outside the usual tourist circuit. As the art world waits for The Armory to open its doors at the beginning of next month, this week the City of Light offers a moveable feast of art events. Here’s your menu.

You don’t want to miss the final days to see the in-depth retrospective of Cuban artist Wifredo Lam at the Centre Pompidou, open since last September. Expect to see over 400 works ranging from the 1930s to the 1970s, from his early Cubist paintings in Paris to his abstract works in New York—this blockbuster is an absolute must. Next, head out to see British painter Robert Holyhead’s first solo exhibition in France at Galerie Max Hetzler. Known for his expressive geometric shapes that maintain a delicate balance of positive and negative forms, the gallery is showcasing a group of new paintings along with 60 drawings by the artist. If that’s a little too abstract for you, stop by Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac to see “XYZ,” the latest in their series of guest-curated shows, which features works by photographer Robert Mapplethorpe selected by architect Peter Marino. If you’re feeling more Godard than Gauguin, head to Marian Goodman Gallery to see Steve McQueen’s latest film installation and new works made specifically for his fifth exhibition in the space. Expect to see a lot of dark blue neon lights.

For art lovers, Paris has too much to do and see in any one week—but it’s fun to try.

Marcos Coelho Benjamim. Courtesy of Galerie Agnès Monplaisir.

Marcos Coelho Benjamim. Courtesy of Galerie Agnès Monplaisir.

Exhibition: Wifredo Lam
When: September 30, 2015–February 15, 2016
Where:
The Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France

Exhibition: “Textures”
When:
January 15–March 5, 2016
Where:
Galerie Agnès Monplaisir, 8 bis rue Jacques Callot, Paris, France

Steve McQueen. Installation view. Courtesy of Marian Goodman Gallery.

Steve McQueen. Installation view. Courtesy of Marian Goodman Gallery.

Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre and Lek & Sowat. Installation view. Courtesy of Polka Galerie.

Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre and Lek & Sowat. Installation view. Courtesy of Polka Galerie.

Exhibition: Steve McQueen
When:
January 9–February 27, 2016
Where:
Marian Goodman Gallery, 79 rue du Temple, Paris, France

Exhibition: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
When: January 21–February 27, 2016
Where:
Polka Galerie, 12 Rue Saint-Gilles, Paris, France

Myeongbeom Kim, Edison (fishes) (2004). Courtesy of Galerie Paris-Beijing.

Myeongbeom Kim, Edison (fishes) (2004). Courtesy of Galerie Paris-Beijing.

Exhibition: It’s funny because it’s true
When:
January 28–February 27, 2016
Where:
Galerie Paris-Beijing, 62 rue de Turbigo, Paris, France

Erwin Wurm. Installation view. Courtesy of Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac.

Erwin Wurm. Installation view. Courtesy of Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac.

Robert Mapplethorpe, Bird Of Paradise (1981). Courtesy of Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac.

Robert Mapplethorpe, Bird Of Paradise (1981). Courtesy of Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac.

Exhibition: Erwin Wurm – Lostand  XYZ
When:
January 14–March 5, 2016 and January 28–March 5, 2016
Where:
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, 7 rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris

Caroline Corbasson. Installation view. Courtesy of Galerie l'Inlassable.

Caroline Corbasson. Installation view. Courtesy of Galerie l’Inlassable.

Exhibition: “Caroline Corbasson”
When:
January 29–March 1, 2016
Where:
Galerie l’Inlassable, 13, rue de Nevers, Paris, France

Exhibition: “Aurelio Fort: Materia Mater”
When:
February 3–March 2, 2016
Where:
Galerie 24b., 24, bis rue Saint Roch, Paris, France

Pierre Alechinsky, Spire 9 (2015). Courtesy of Galerie Lelong – Paris.

Pierre Alechinsky, Spire 9 (2015). Courtesy of Galerie Lelong – Paris.

Jaume Plensa, White Forest (Laura) (2015). Courtesy of Galerie Lelong – Paris.

Jaume Plensa, White Forest (Laura) (2015). Courtesy of Galerie Lelong – Paris.

Exhibition: “Pierre Alechinsky – Spires et Résumé” and “Jaume Plensa – La Forêt blanche
When:
February 4–March 24, 2016
Where:
Galerie Lelong – Paris, 13, rue de Téhéran, Paris, France

Exhibition: “Les grands maîtres, de l’impressionnisme à nos jours
When:
December 10–March 5, 2016
Where:
Hélène Bailly Gallery, 71, rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, France

Robert Holyhead, Untitled (2015). Courtesy of Galerie Max Hetzler, Berlin | Paris.

Robert Holyhead, Untitled (2015). Courtesy of Galerie Max Hetzler, Berlin | Paris.

Exhibition: Robert Holyhead
When:
February 6–March 12, 2016
Where:
Galerie Max Hetzler, 57, rue du Temple, Paris, France

Exhibition: “Vidya Gastaldon—Hello From the Other Side”
When:
February 12–March 12, 2016
Where:
Galerie Art: Concept, 4, passage Sainte-Avoye, Paris, France

Exhibition: “Exposition Collective : Du Fauvisme à l’art d’Après-Guerre”
When:
February 15–March 15, 2016
Where:
Galerie Fleury, 36 avenue Matignon, Paris, France


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