Libro del mes: Fouad Laroui Libro del mes: Fouad Laroui Five essential exhibitions to see in France to close the year 2014
From Paris to Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, here's an overview of must-sees during the end-of-year period.
Retrospective Niki de Saint Phalle
She's one of the most popular artists of the 20th century and lived both in France and the US. As a visual artist, painter, sculptor and film director, Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) is now exhibited in the Grand Palais, in Paris, for a retrospective. Until February 2nd, over 200 pieces and archives are exhibited, like the "Nanas", plump and coloured women that are emblematic to Niki's work.
For the first time in Europe, La Cabeza has been installed in the Centquatre. This gigantic skull covered with mirrors and coloured stones can be visited until February 1st.
A history of TV
Whether you're a TV addict or not, go see the exhibition "Culture TV. Saga de la télévision française" (Culture TV: a history of French Television). Until March 8th, the Musée des arts et métiers in Paris takes a look back at the history of television through the ages. From the cult cathode-ray tube to flat screens, 80 years of television are presented.
Erró and the collage paintings
The artist Erró was born in Iceland, but has been working in France since 1958. Until February 22nd, the musée d’art contemporain in Lyon devotes a retrospective of his work. As the inventor of the collage paintings, he gave birth to a work that draws inspiration from pop art, surrealism and expressionism. Collages, performances, films, drawings… Over 500 pieces are waiting for you.
Benjamin-Constant: the last major orient lover
Until January 4th, the musée des Augustins dedicates the first retrospective on painter Benjamin-Constant (1845-1902). The exhibition is set in Toulouse, the forgotten artist's home town, and is called "Merveilles et mirages de l'orientalisme" (Wonders and Mirages of Orientalism). After a journey in Spain and Morocco, the artist developed a passion for oriental topics, which are at the heart of this exhibition.
The MuCEM, crossroad of civilizations
Throughout the year, the MuCEM of Marseille offers two permanent exhibitions. The "Galerie de la Méditerranée" (gallery of the Mediterranean) offers an overview of cultures that are common to all countries of the Mediterranean rim, from the Neolithic age to most modern works. The exhibitions are part of a project of this museum, focused in Mediterranean area.