Art

Gagosian Gallery: A Riveting Odyssey of Art at Paris+ par Art Basel

October 17, 2023

Gagosian gallery makes its debut at Paris+ par Art Basel's second edition, captivating the audience with a diverse spectacle of contemporary masterpieces. Housed in the architectural wonder of the Grand Palais Éphémère, the gallery presents a transformative collection, marrying the revolutionary expressions of its seasoned artists with the pulsating heart of contemporary narratives.

HELEN FRANKENTHALER
Reef, 1991
Acrylic on canvas
44 3/4 x 82 3/4 inches (113.7 x 210.2 cm)
© 2023 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Photo: Rob McKeever
Courtesy the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation and Gagosian

Artistic Alchemy: The Gagosian Ensemble

The exhibition is a harmonious curation of diverse art forms. From Helen Frankenthaler's evocative acrylics to Carol Bove's innovative sculptures, each piece resonates with profound storytelling, epitomizing the artists' journeys and the gallery's visionary identity.

Carol Bove's Architectural Ballet

Central to Gagosian's innovative space is Carol Bove's mesmerizing architectural intervention. Her sculptures, a synthesis of historical elegance and contemporary design, invite onlookers into a dialogue, challenging traditional interpretations and embracing an immersive experience. The intricate designs, reminiscent of historical epochs, speak volumes, symbolizing a bridge between the past, present, and future of art.

RICK LOWE
Victoria Square Project: One to One, 2023
Acrylic and paper collage on canvas
72 x 60 inches (182.9 x 152.4 cm)
© Rick Lowe Studio
Photo: Stathis Mamalakis
Courtesy the artist and Gagosian

Chromatic: The Abstract

Delving into the realm of abstraction, Gagosian introduces a captivating narrative with Stanley Whitney’s vibrant "Do Be U" and Jadé Fadojutimi's nature-inspired layers in "The unitch PT1." These pieces, a collage of colors and emotions, parallel the rhythmic spontaneity of jazz, evoking a sense of ongoing creation and transformation. Their work, celebrated for its unique composition, marks a thrilling juncture in the narrative of abstract art.

Urban Reflections: Society and Art

Embracing the urban echoes are Rick Lowe and Sterling Ruby, artists renowned for their reflective urban-inspired pieces. Lowe’s "Victoria Square Project: One to One" intricately maps the complexity of societal intersections, a poignant commentary mirroring today’s urban landscapes. In harmony, Ruby's elemental "TURBINE. ICARUS JET." captures the relentless energy of city life, a testament to the human experience within industrial expanses.

URS FISCHER
Eternity, 2023
Aluminum panel, aluminum honeycomb, polyurethane adhesive, epoxy primer, gesso, solvent-based screen printing paint, and water-based screen printing paint
72 x 96 inches (182.9 x 243.8 cm)
© Urs Fischer
Courtesy the artist and Gagosian

Narratives in Figuration: A Cultural Commentary

Figurative art takes a narrative leap with Honor Titus's "Practice Wall #1," a subtle critique on the exclusivity in contemporary spaces of power and privilege. Complementing this is Amoako Boafo’s tender "White Cropped Top," a portrayal of vulnerability and affection, demonstrating the universal language of human connection, a theme often explored in his renowned portfolio.

TATIANA TROUVÉ
The Guardian, 2023
Patinated bronze, brass, granite, and marble
26 3/4 x 18 1/2 x 18 1/2 inches (68 x 47 x 47 cm)
© Tatiana Trouvé
Photo: Florian Kleinefenn
Courtesy the artist and Gagosian

Sculptural Dialogues: Defying Conventions

Urs Fischer and Tatiana Trouvé disrupt conventional art forms with thought-provoking sculptures. Fischer's "Eternity," from the acclaimed 'Problem Paintings' series, juxtaposes mundane reality with romantic idealism, a commentary on contemporary culture's dichotomies. Meanwhile, Trouvé’s "The Guardian" mystically blends fiction with physical form, inviting viewers into a realm of contemplative exploration.

STERLING RUBY
TURBINE. ICARUS JET., 2023
Acrylic, oil, and cardboard on canvas
57 x 43 1/2 inches (144.8 x 110.5 cm)
© Sterling Ruby
Photo: Robert Wedemeyer
Courtesy Sterling Ruby Studio and Gagosian

Extending Boundaries: Gagosian’s Artistic Diaspora

The Gagosian experience transcends the booth, with Urs Fischer’s monumental "Wave" redefining public space artistry at Place Vendôme, a nod to the gallery’s influence in global art landscapes. Further exhibitions across Paris, showcasing an array of artists, invite the audience on a city-wide artistic voyage, emphasizing Gagosian's commitment to making art an immersive, accessible experience.

Paris+ par Art Basel with Gagosian: A Canvas of Human Expression

From October 20 to 22, 2023, Paris+ par Art Basel transforms into a microcosm of artistic philosophies and human experiences. Gagosian, at Booth B05, invites you on this journey through contemporary dialogues, its artworks a reflection of diverse realities and imaginative realms. Explore these narratives and more, and engage with the artists' worlds through exclusive talks, tours, and interactive sessions, enriching your understanding of the stories behind the art.

Join us in this celebration of contemporary art, where every piece is a dialogue, every color a feeling, and every brushstroke a testament to the human experience. #ParisPlus