ARTPARIS
The artparis modern and contemporary art fair opens tomorrow, March 19 and runs through March 23, with 115 French and foreign galleries under the gorgeous glass dome of the Grand Palais. Some of the best work this year is by Chinese artists, represented by a number of galleries. Open March 19-22, 11 a.m.- 2 a.m. and March 23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
GOOD ART GUIDE
Art lovers take heed: Paris gallery owner Chris Boïcos, one of Paris’s best English-language art lecturers, has created a new program of art courses, Paris Art Studies, covering both the great masters of the past and current exhibitions in Paris, including museum visits.
ART ALERTS
Kérya-Espace K is a new nonprofit association/gallery whose goal is to promote the work of young artists not only by holding exhibitions of their work but also by bringing them together with corporate sponsors who can provide financial assistance.
PARIS RENEWED
On the Pavillon d’Arsenal’s online database, you can see images of something rare: contemporary architecture in Paris, along with information on the projects and architects. Check out the drawings of Rudy Ricciotti’s sculptural design for the expansion of Jean Bouin Stadium in the 16th arrondissement, commissioned in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, which Paris then lost to London. The project is going ahead anyway and is set to be completed by 2012.
OPEN EYE
Art lovers keeping their eyes peeled for inexpensive ways to acquire original works should check out L’Œil Ouvert, a Web site and gallery that sells limited editions (of between 25 and 200 prints) of aluminum-mounted art photos for prices ranging from €29 to €390, depending on the format. The gallery (11, rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010 Paris; tel.: 08 72 58 72 88; open Wed.-Sun., 3 p.m.-8 p.m.) holds regular exhibitions of works by the artists represented. The current show features American photographer Doug Biggert’s images of hitchhikers (until Feb. 28).
DOISNEAU ONLINE
Those who missed “Doisneau: Paris en Liberté,” the immensely popular retrospective of Robert Doisneau’s photos of Paris held at the Hôtel de Ville, can at least see the exhibition online in the comfort of their homes on the city of Paris’s Web site. It’s not the same as seeing the original prints, but at least there are no long lines.
POMPIDOU TO SQUAT PALAIS DE TOKYO
It’s kind of like having your big brother or sister move into your bedroom: The Centre Pompidou has been authorized to take over the Palais de Tokyo’s unused spaces, which amount to two-thirds of the building, by 2009. The former will present the work of “confirmed” artists, while the latter will continue to concentrate on “emerging” artists. Will this kill the refreshingly anarchic spirit of the Palais de Tokyo? Former Culture Minister Jack Lang calls the move “insanity” and “disastrous for everyone.”
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