Kris Van Assche
Kris Van Assche - Portrait 2018 - Photo credit Paolo Roversi
Kris Van Assche is a fashion designer known for his minimalist style. He served as the artistic director of Dior Homme from 2007 to 2018, and as artistic director of the house of Berluti, before becoming an independent creator.
As often with a list of favorites, there may not be an immediate common thread. It’s instinctive and spontaneous. But that is also what Paris Gallery Weekend is about: moving from one universe to another, with lots of contrasts and discoveries. Perhaps what guides my choices is the desire to beautify everyday life, to take reality and turn it into something more beautiful.
What I love about Martin Parr‘s work: it lets us look at what is familiar to us with a fresh perspective. Between documentary, art, and fashion photos, Martin Parr shows us beauty where we least expect it, as well as poetry, mixed with touch of humor. For those like me who need it, I suggest starting your visit of Paris Gallery Weekend 2024 at 51 rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, in the 4th arrondissement at Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière. Personally, I have always adored the “Fashion Faux Parr”.
To continue exploring the boundaries between art and fashion, there are “Les chaînes de Jean Grisoni.” The galerie MiniMasterpiece offers 15 new pieces of jewelry where raw elements mingle with precious materials. Between rusty steel and gold, there is no need to choose; what works best is the contrast. Each piece is unique in its balance between raw and noble.
I’m familiar with Galerie Olivier Waltman, having collaborated with one of its artists, François Bard, for my Summer 2018 collection at Dior Homme. At this Paris Gallery Weekend’s edition, we see not the work of François Bard, but that of seven contemporary Slovak artists. The paintings inspired by urban themes speak to me. I have always liked artists who, walking the fine line between classicism and avant-garde, demonstrate technical skill through a contemporary view of the world. Installations and sculpted objects complement the paintings for this exhibition named “City Code“.
Galerie Perrotin does not need an introduction, and surely does not need convincing that the artists chosen for Paris Gallery Weekend 2024 are worth a visit. I particularly love Hernan Bas‘s paintings. Evoking romanticism and ambiguous sensuality, his characters certainly intrigue me. In a completely different style, Julian Charrière‘s work also grabs my attention. Klara Kristalova‘s glazed ceramic work perfectly completes the exhibition.
At Zander Galerie, At 6 rue Jacob in the 6th arrondissement, the fluorescent tube installations by artist Dan Flavin are also worth a visit. Still after his passing in 1996, the work of this American minimalist artist, featuring geometric structures formed by neon lamps, appears to be very modern. Initially rather cold, his works, and Flavin’s use of light, provide a moment of serenity.
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac is also one of my favorites. We know the gallery at 7 rue Debelleyme, of course, with its recent beautiful exhibition on Robert Mapplethorpe. However, it is the very large space at 69 Avenue du Général Leclerc in Pantin that provides a unique setting for “60 Years of Printmaking” by artist Alex Katz. The conditions are ideal for such an overview of Katz’ career. What a privilege!
Ses recommandations
-
Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière
Martin Parr , Royaume-Uni
"Fashion Faux Parr" France
- Photographie
-
Galerie MiniMasterpiece
Jean Grisoni , Algérie
"Les chaînes de Jean Grisoni"
-
Perrotin
Klara Kristalova , Tchéquie
"Beast"
CARTE BLANCHE
- Carte blanche
-
Zander Galerie
Dan Flavin , Etats-Unis
Bruce Nauman , Etats-Unis
"Dan Flavin & Bruce Nauman"
-
Thaddaeus Ropac
Alex Katz , Etats-Unis
"Alex Katz: 60 Years of Printmaking"