Nouvelles Vagues/New Waves

Exterior of Palais de Tokyo, "Toilet paper," window installation by Toilet Paper Magazine.

The material out of which a work of art is composed belongs to the common world rather than to the self, and yet there is self- expression in art because the self assimilates that material in a distinctive way to reissue it into the public world in a form that builds a new object.  --John Dewey (1)

Palais de Tokyo, Paris, France

This is the second time I have visited the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. As the contemporary/experimental art museum is open until midnight every night, I have only seen it in the evening when it has a distinctly "alternative" vibe. A huge space spread out on over 3 floors of what appears to be a former warehouse, Palais de Tokyo is one of the largest contemporary art centers in Europe. It's mission is to encourage innovation and experimentation by giving exposure to emerging and established artist from all over the world.

The exhibition I attended, Nouvelles Vagues (New Waves) is a collection of multi/mixed media presentations, performances and concerts, highlighting 21 international emerging curators. This large-scale event also included exhibitions at galleries throughout Paris. As most of the art work seemed to be from urban-based artists, and because I was contemplating the idea of how place influences art, it seemed like most of the art referenced the concepts of building (construction, structures, urban spaces, etc), relationships, industry and government to name a few. I am highlighting here a few pieces that stood out to me as particular inspiring experiences. And of course, with a little John Dewey thrown in for good measure. For more information on the exhibition and Palais de Tokyo visit the exhibition agenda.

Any other idea makes the boasted "universality" of the work of art a synonym for monotonous identity. The Parthenon, or whatever, is universal because it can continuously inspire new personal realizations in experience. --John Dewey (1)

Only because an artist operates experimentally does he open new fields of experience and disclose new aspects and qualities in familiar scenes and objects.--John Dewey (1)

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The Black Moon

Above, right and below: Vue de l'exposition "The Black Moon", collective exhibition curated by Sinziana Ravini with Boris Achour, John Bock, Talia Chetrit, Sophie Dubosc, Latifa Echakhch, Carl Johan Högberg, Pierre Huyghe, Julien Langendorff , Joanna Lombard, Ursula Mayer, Melvin Moti, Isabel Nolan, Ylva Olgand, Erik Pirolt, Émilie Pitoiset, Agnieszka Polska, Hans Rosenström, Martin Soto Climent, and Linda Tedsdotter.

The Black Moon One of the most intriguing exhibitions within the Nouvelles Vagues collection, is French curator Sinziana Ravini's attempt to blur the boundries between art, theatre, and narration. The videos, installations, and framed pieces, are meant to tell a story of love and art that is transformed by the changing perspectives of the viewer. I'm not sure that narration aspect was obvious (a least to a non-French speaking viewer) but the variety in the individual elements of the collection of  were among the most interesting and thought provoking works in the show. For more information visit The Black Moon website.