While art fairs might seem like commercial projects, they also often play an integral part in fostering important conversations and are crucial for the healthy and gradual development of the art industry. This year’s edition of Art Paris, a highly anticipated French art fair, officially closed its doors on April 2. To mark its 25th anniversary, it invited an impressive selection of local and international art galleries and artists. While the show was very popular with participants from around the world, the organizers managed to highlight French artists and galleries. Let’s review the highlights of Art Paris 2023. 

The Highly Anticipated Art Paris 2023 Has Come to an End

This year’s edition of the show took place from March 30 to April 2 in the Grand Palais Éphémère. The guests had the pleasure of witnessing works by artists represented by 134 galleries from 25 countries. Art Paris is an annual art fair that brings together local and international galleries. It is a space where contemporary artists get a chance to share their works with an international audience, while collectors and gallerists use this opportunity to look for new fresh talents.

Art Paris is a place where the future of art is nurtured. This year, the fair had a section titled “Promises,” which was dedicated specifically to presenting galleries that were founded no longer than six years ago. “Promises” became a platform for these young galleries to showcase their potential.

Exile and commitment were the two central themes of Art Paris 2023. Many of the artists participating in the show used their art to explore political and social issues. The works featured at the exhibition were diverse in the ways artists approached the subject and the lenses through which they told their stories. Art pieces also ranged in mediums and styles, from whimsical sculptures to expressionist paintings.

For example, Damien Deroubaix created a painting depicting a shapeless body in front of the American flag, offering striking commentary on war and violence. Ironic sculptures by Sépànd Danesh also focused on the topic of war, specifically the conflict in the Middle East. As an interpretation of the topic of commitment, Laura Henno shared the stories of teenage immigrants in France in her photography series titled “The Story Teller.”

Art Paris 2023 did a great job of creating an environment where serious questions were raised without fear and complex stories were embraced and celebrated.