Fiac, the international contemporary art fair in Paris, open tomorrow and runs until October 22nd. With around 180 galleries at the Grand Palais, including both established major galleries and the emerging generation, the choice of what booths to visit can be overwhelming. Our Paris guide Judith Souriau shared her insider recommendations of what to see when the fair opens to the public.
Rirkrit Tiravanija
On the preview afternoon, 5 international foundations had already acquired all the editions of this work by Rirkrit Tiravanija, emblematic of the 2000’s “relational aesthetics” as you’re supposed to actually play ping-pong. Also on Chantal Crousel’s booth, don’t miss the beautiful Pierre Klossowski (Balthus’ brother) large
drawing.
Rirkrit Tiravanija
LABOR
On the Balcon d’honneur, LABOR gallery (Mexico) has a poetic and consistent booth with works by Jill Magid, Jorge Satorre and a troubling Memorandum photograph by Hector Zamoza.
LABOR gallery booth
Alina Szapocznikow
The smallest piece in the Petit Palais, a resin flawed self-portrait by the too-soon- gone polish artist Alina Szapocznikow, is undoubtedly one of the most poignant there.
Alina Szapocznikow
Jessica Warboys
This dense, pigmented canvas by Jessica Warboys caught Judith’s attention. The technique is very reminiscent of Sterling Ruby, however Warboys uses seawater. (Gaudel de Stampa, H12, upper floor)
Jessica Warboys
Claudio Parmiggiani and Thu van Tran
Thu Van Tran and Claudio Parmiggiani at Meessen de Clercq compose a very strong and poetic booth for Meessen de Clercq (F11, upper floor) with a smoke and soot evanescent library on wood, and ceramics. A metaphor for memory?
Claudio Parmiggiani
Thu van Tran
Dardan Zhegrova
This interactive installation by Dardan Zhegrova is presented by LambdaLambdaLambda.
Dardan Zhegrova
Jeppe Hein
This balloon installation shown by 303 Gallery may be the most minimalistic work in the whole fair, and it feels good.
Jeppe Hein
Outdoor Works
The majority of the fair is held within the Grand Palais however make sure to explore the Hors les murs (outside the walls) programmes free of cost in the Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme, and Musée Delacroix.
Lisa Williamson
"Obstruction, Reflection, Transition" (2017) by Lisa Williamson is located at the Petit Palais.
Lisa Williamson
Yona Friedman
"Project pour un musée sans batiment" (2017) is installed on Avenue Winston Churchill.
Outdoor Installation by Yona Friedman
ASIA NOW
Take a shuttle from the Grand Palais and have a glass of champagne in the charming courtyard of 9 avenue Hoche, where the 3rd edition of ASIA NOW gathers a handful of galleries from Asia. A self-paced environment to discover more art.
