Installation view of "Art of the Olympics" at Gagosian Paris.
Photo: Thomas Lannes; Courtesy Gagosian
The Best Art-World Happenings in Paris During the 2024 Summer Olympics
Medal-worthy art inspired by the world of sport is on display throughout the City of Light
Facade of Cheval Blanc in Paris featuring an installation by Jean-Michel Othoniel. Photo: Vincent Leroux
Paris is abuzz getting ready for the Olympic Games which open July 26 through August 11 with 329 medal events and 10,500 athletes from around the world. In addition, there is the Paralympics which opens August 28 until September 8 with 22 events and 4400 global athletes. Celebrating the games and all things sport, the city is also spreading the love with special art popping up in the streets and other locations. So, in between the games, be sure to wander a bit and check out some of these fun and exciting art works in Paris for the games.
One of the surprising installations just up in time for the summer is a 55-plus foot long glass and metal creation of passion flowers on the facade of the Cheval Blanc Hotel in the middle of Paris. Inspired by the original mosaic decoration on the historic building, the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel created this sculptural mural with his glittering glass elements and iconic pearls, now visible to all on the exterior, day and night.
Alison Saar's sculpture in Charles Aznavour Park. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
For the official Olympic sculpture, the honor was given to American, LA-based artist Alison Saar. For her first public project outside America, her work expresses the diversity and human dignity of the Olympics. Located at the foot of the Champs Elysées in the Charles Aznavour Park, the artist produced all the elements in France.
Just across the way take a peek inside the Petit Palais to see the exhibition “Body in Motion.” Pieces from their collection depicting art and sports.
Installation view of "Art of the Olympics" at Gagosian Paris. Photo: Thomas Lannes; Courtesy Gagosian
Still in the same area, just up the street on the Champs Elysées, the French beauty and fragrance house of Guerlain is also celebrating the Olympics with a small exhibition of 16 artists entitled Or Norme. An invitation to reflect and dream about the gold associated with the games in their downstairs gallery.
The prestigious art gallery Gagosian is showing “Art of the Olympics” in association with the Olympic Museum. This is a 2-part group exhibition featuring works by Andreas Gursky, Man Ray and Duane Hanson amongst others.
Laurie Simmons, Autofiction: Artistic Swimming/Underwater Ballet, (2024). Photo: Nicolas Brasseur; Courtesy of the Artist and Almine Rech
Hank Willis Thomas, Endless Column III, (2017). Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
Also in the gallery sphere is Almine Rech in the Marais with three renowned American artists called Sport and Beyond. Featuring Jeff Koons, Laurie Simmons, and Hank Willis Thomas.
In front of the Palais Bourbon which is the National Assembly on the Left Bank, are 6 unexpected sculptures by artist Laurent Perbos. The sculptures are all female, inspired by the Venus de Milo, and representing basketball, boxing, javelin, surfing, tennis and archery. Joyful, full of color and speaking to inclusivity.
The Skateroom x Hôtel de Crillon. Photo: Joann Pai
Installation view of "La Mode en mouvement" at Palais Galliera. Photo: Gautier Deblonde
For some fashion and sport, go to the Palais Galliera and visit “La Mode in Movement.” Fashion and the body in movement. Over 200 pieces complementing sporty activities through the ages.
Take a little break and wander into the glorious palace on the Place de la Concorde which is the historic hotel, The Crillon. There is a surprising and fun pop up exhibition celebrating skateboarding, an Olympic event. The brainchild of creative Sarah Adelman, designer/architect Aline Asmar d’Amman and The Skateroom, enter the Parisian palace and take a tour around to see 15 skateboards by 7 artists, all located in the lobby. An unexpected location for skateboards, but why not?
Cover: Installation view of "Art of the Olympics" at Gagosian Paris.
Photo: Thomas Lannes; Courtesy Gagosian
