From 8 to 16 September, the Grand Palais hosts the 30th edition of the Paris Biennale. An unmissable event for art lovers, this international event will feature more than 80 exhibitors, including Pierre-Jean Chalençon's eagerly awaited collection dedicated to the Napoleonic Empire.
The 2018 edition of the Biennale Paris
In half a century, the Biennale has become a temple of antique dealers and lovers of the French art of living who both met to share their passion. Since 2017, the Paris Biennale has become an annual event with the glass roof of the Grand Palais as a backdrop.
The 2018 edition stands out from its previous ones by the place given to contemporary art previously absent from this event. Among the exhibitors, representatives of modern and contemporary art will be numerous alongside regulars of ancient art, non-European arts and design. On the other hand, we can regret the absence of the jewelers of the Place de Vendôme while many had made the trip last year. In total, the 2018 edition still has a third fewer exhibitors. Despite the decline in the number of exhibitors, diversity is still the order of the day with a third of foreigners presenting paintings, sculptures, furniture, trinkets and high jewelry. Diversity also through the periods and artistic currents sweeping 3000 years of art history. One of the oldest works will be a Chinese tripod vase dating from the seventh century BC.C., presented by the Belgian gallery Ming-Ki. In parallel, the design will be honored thanks to the resolutely modern scenography of the fashion designer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.
The scenography of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
For the 2018 edition, the glass roof of the Grand Palais will host an exceptional and colorful installation designed by the guest artistic director, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.Under the nave, the designer has placed revisited Napoleonic standards paying tribute to the centerpiece of this Biennale, the collection patiently assembled by Pierre-Jean Chalençon retracing the Napoleonic adventure. The collection includes less than 1200 iconic objects making it one of the most important Napoleonic collections in the world. The figure of Napoleon is of course at the heart of the collection, such as the portrait of Napoleon as First Consul, the coronation ring proudly worn by the collector or one of the two hats worn in 1809 during the Battle of Essling. Beyond the imperial person, the collection also honors the Emperor's relatives: from Joséphine to Marie-Louise, from the Bonaparte family to the illustrious marshals.
The Paris Biennale 2018, from 8 to 16 September 2018, Grand Palais, 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris.35€ full price, 30€ reduced price, 85€ unlimited admissions.
