Forget Frieze, it’s FIAC time! Throngs of collectors are headed to Paris’s Grand Palais this morning to get lost in a whirlwind of sumptuous gallery stands. But, hang on, this is Paris in the fall. And with FIAC’s famous outdoor sculpture program “Hors Les Murs” sprawling across the city’s most beautiful locations, what better excuse could one need to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy some art al fresco?
“Hors Les Murs” features over 50 works by renowned artists such as Georg Baselitz, Christian Boltanski, Thomas Houseago, and Rebecca Warren, alongside work by younger artists such as Jon Rafman, Matias Faldbakken & Leander Djønne, Ernesto Sartori, and Julian Charrière. French historical figures like Niki de Saint-Phalle and César are also included.
As in years past, the program’s 2014 edition is located in the the dreamy gardens of Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin des Plantes. The Seine riverbank also hosts a series of cinema-inspired soundworks by the likes of Jonas Mekas, Emmanuel Lagarrigue, and Rainier Lericolais.
Sadly, one sculpture from “Hors Les Murs” won’t greet FIAC’s eager hordes. This year’s program made headlines even before being fully installed. (And not exactly for its poetic intertwining of top-notch contemporary art with the Parisian cityscape.)
Last week, the Place Vendôme was (briefly) the setting for a huge—and rather suggestive—inflatable sculpture by controversial American artist Paul McCarthy (see “Paul McCarthy Beaten Up over Butt Plug Sculpture“). Apparently, the provocation was too much for some Parisian bien-pensants and was removed after vandals cut the lines that held it securely in place (see “Vandalized Paul McCarthy Butt Plug Pulled from Paris Square“).
Nevertheless, there’s more than enough great art still to be seen. Click through the slideshow above to get a sneak peak at some of our favorites.