French Art Exhibitions

France is home to some of the world's most renowned art museums and galleries, with an abundance of exhibitions on offer throughout the year. Here are some of the best exhibitions in France to keep an eye out for:

1. "Van Gogh, Starry Night" at the Atelier des Lumières (Paris) This immersive exhibition brings Vincent Van Gogh's masterpieces to life through digital projections and animations, creating a fully immersive experience. The exhibition includes iconic works such as "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers," along with lesser-known pieces from the Dutch artist's career. The exhibition is ongoing and open to the public.

2. "The Collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein" at the Louvre Museum (Paris) This exhibition features a selection of masterpieces from the private collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein, including works by some of the greatest European artists of all time such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Raphael. The exhibition runs until March 2023.

3. "Soulages at the Louvre" at the Louvre Museum (Paris) This exhibition is dedicated to French abstract artist Pierre Soulages, known for his use of black and his exploration of light and texture. The exhibition showcases over 20 of Soulages' works, including some that have never been seen before. The exhibition runs until June 2022.

4. "Picasso-Rodin" at the Musée National Picasso (Paris) This exhibition brings together the works of two of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin. The exhibition explores the artistic dialogue between the two artists and features over 140 works, including sculptures, drawings, and paintings. The exhibition runs until January 2023.

5. "Degas at the Opera" at the Musée d'Orsay (Paris) This exhibition explores the relationship between French artist Edgar Degas and the Paris Opera, showcasing over 200 works by the artist, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The exhibition runs until January 2023.

6. "Monet, Renoir... Chagall: Journeys around the Mediterranean" at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille (Marseille) This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the Mediterranean, exploring the landscapes and cultures that inspired some of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Marc Chagall. The exhibition runs until May 2022.

7. "Jean Dubuffet: Brutal Beauty" at the Centre Pompidou (Paris) This exhibition celebrates the work of French artist Jean Dubuffet, known for his raw and expressive style. The exhibition features over 150 works by the artist, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The exhibition runs until April 2022.

The Centre Pompidou in Paris is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the work of Jean Dubuffet, titled "Brutal Beauty." The exhibition, which runs until April 2022, showcases over 150 works by the French artist, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Dubuffet is known for his raw and expressive style, which he developed as a reaction against the traditional forms of art that were popular in the mid-20th century.

Dubuffet was born in Le Havre, France in 1901, and spent much of his early life studying art and literature. However, he did not begin his artistic career in earnest until he was in his forties, after a brief stint working in his family's wine business. In 1942, Dubuffet began painting seriously, developing a style that he called "Art Brut," which translates to "Raw Art."

Art Brut was a term that Dubuffet coined to describe art that was created outside of the traditional art world, by people who were not formally trained as artists. Dubuffet believed that Art Brut was more authentic and sincere than the art produced by professional artists, which he saw as being overly polished and artificial.

Dubuffet's own art was heavily influenced by Art Brut, and his paintings and sculptures often featured rough, impastoed surfaces and distorted figures. He was also known for his use of unconventional materials, such as tar, gravel, and sand, which he incorporated into his artworks to create textured surfaces.

One of the highlights of the "Brutal Beauty" exhibition is Dubuffet's series of paintings titled "L'Hourloupe," which he began working on in the 1960s. "L'Hourloupe" is a term that Dubuffet invented to describe a style of art that was characterized by dense, interlocking shapes and bright, primary colors. The paintings in the series are incredibly detailed and complex, with swirling patterns and intricate line work.

In addition to his paintings, Dubuffet also produced a large number of sculptures, many of which are on display in the exhibition. Dubuffet's sculptures are often made from materials such as polystyrene and polyurethane, which he would carve and shape into abstract forms. His sculptures are notable for their rough, textured surfaces and their unconventional shapes, which often defy categorization.

Another highlight of the exhibition is Dubuffet's series of drawings titled "Corps de Dames," which he produced in the late 1950s. The drawings depict the female form in a highly abstracted and distorted manner, with elongated limbs and distorted features. Dubuffet's use of line in these drawings is particularly striking, with bold, black lines that seem to writhe and twist across the page.

Throughout his career, Dubuffet was deeply committed to the idea of Art Brut, and he became a champion of artists who worked outside of the mainstream art world. He even established his own collection of Art Brut works, which he donated to the city of Lausanne, Switzerland in 1971.

Dubuffet's legacy continues to influence contemporary art, particularly in the realm of street art and graffiti. Many contemporary street artists cite Dubuffet as a major influence, and his raw, expressive style can be seen in their work.

Overall, the "Brutal Beauty" exhibition at the Centre Pompidou is a fascinating exploration of Dubuffet's artistic career and his contribution to the art world. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to see a large number of Dubuffet's works in one place, and to gain a deeper understanding of his unique artistic vision.

These exhibitions offer a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of France, showcasing some of the greatest artists of all time and their most iconic works. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual visitor, these exhibitions are not to be missed.