Paris+ Art Basel collectives set up in abandoned buildings

Formerly known as FIAC, the Paris+ International Contemporary Art Fair, conceived in partnership with Art Basel, returns for its second edition this week with several incredible events showcasing the crème de la crème of the international contemporary art scene. The biggest part of the event takes place in the halls of the Grand Palais Ephémère, with some 160 galleries welcoming Parisians and tourists alike for a unique experience. The art on show covers all disciplines, from painting and sculpture to digital art and installations. Outside the Palais, from 20 to 22 October, the event organisers are offering a number of ambitious events. Numerous free exhibitions and events are planned, including some in truly daring locations. Some general information: Galeries is the main branch of the event, presenting modern and contemporary art in all its forms. Galeries Émergentes features galleries showcasing young and promising artists through solo exhibitions. Finally, the Sites part of the event encompasses events taking place all over Paris, outside the Grand Palais.

As well as the above mentioned artist gatherings, a number of high-profile artistic events are taking place in the most surprising of locations. From a disused garage to an abandoned hotel, here are three must-see exhibitions that may well be more exclusive than those taking place at the Grand Palais. What's more, the galleries are free with registration.

OFFSCREEN 

According to Julien Frydman, co-founder and artistic director, «we are delighted that this edition of Offscreen has acquired a significant international profile, bringing together leading artists such as our guest of honour Rosa Barba, Victor Burgin, currently exhibiting at the Jeu de Paume, Stan VanDerBeek, a leading figure in experimental cinema, and Stefan Brüggeman», according to an article in news.artnet.com. For this edition, OFFSCREEN is taking up residence in the Grand Garage Haussmann, in Paris's 8th arrondissement. The brutalist design of the interior is perfect for what the collective has to offer art aficionados this year. OFFSCREEN has made its mark on the art world since its inception. The group creates a multi-disciplinary experience for visitors, showcasing multimedia works, photography and more from some of the world's most renowned and cutting-edge artists.

Last year's edition highlighted the work of English artist Anthony McCall, known for his incredible light installations. This year it's the turn of Italian artist and Berlin-based filmmaker Rosa Barbara. Barbara's work occupies an entire level of the garage, dedicated to one of her latest works, Inside and Outset: Evoking a Space of Passage (2021), which includes the recreation of an outdoor installation where she had previously screened one of her films, also exhibited at this year's event. Other artists on show include Colombian artist Leyla Cardenas, Argentinian artist Graciela Sacco, and many more. Set against the backdrop of a brutal car park transformed into an art gallery, OFFSCREEN is sure to make a splash at its second edition. Admission is free, but registration is compulsory on the website.

18-22 octobre, 43-45 Rue de Laborde, 75008 Paris

Paris Internationale

Created in 2015, Paris Internationale describes itself as an "innovative alternative to traditional art fairs to support a new generation of galleries" Over the course of its 8 editions, the collective has focused on supporting emerging artists, while shining the spotlight on those who are more established. Paris Internationale's philosophy can be summed up in 3 concrete areas: affordable participation fees to encourage bold artistic presentations; making Paris attractive to a new generation of inspired international galleries; deconstructing the traditional codes of art fairs.

What's more, in a spirit of inclusion, the fair and its programmes are open to all and free of charge. Alongside the Paris+ Art Basel event, Paris Internationale will be taking over the Central téléphonique Le Coeur on rue Bergère, near the Grands Boulevards. The site covers 5,000 square metres and 4 floors of exhibition space. The event venue is legendary, built in 1911 by architect François Le Coeur. The brick building, simple and halfway between modernism and modernism, provides the perfect setting for emerging artists. Participants include American gallery owner and curator Bridget Donahue from New York, Lucas Hirsch Gallery from Düsseldorf, Petrine Gallery from Paris and many others. According to the Wall Street Journal: «A new art fair, Paris Internationale, aims to be a hipper, cheaper alternative for collectors.» Admission is free, but registration is compulsory on the website.

18-22 octobre, 5-1 Rue Bergère, 75010 Paris

Thema Paris 

Founded in 2003 by Michaël Hadida, Thema Paris is committed to promoting a global network of artists, designers, collectors and multidisciplinary artists. According to founder Hadida: «With Thema, we want to redefine the codes of luxury and creation, with a commitment to eco-responsibility and social ethics. We want to create value by preserving and respecting natural resources and passing on know-how. Thema is a virtuous circle.» As part of Paris+ Art Basel, Thema is taking up residence in an abandoned cultural hotel, the Hôtel de Guise. Participants in this year's edition include a diverse range of artists, including contemporary designers, architects and many others, in keeping with Thema's commitment to presenting a variety of art forms. Participants include Coperni, American furniture designer and sculptor Aaron Portiz, French designer and artist Arthur Ristor, Australian creative director Kym Ellery, and many more. Galleries include French gallery Cliché, run by Emily Marant, niece of fashion designer Isabel Marant, American gallery Superhouse, and many others from around the world. Admission is free, but registration is compulsory on the website.

17 au 21 octobre, 58 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris

In short, these three major French art collectives and fairs in their own right make an ideal weekend outing for adventurers keen to discover the best of the international contemporary art scene. More than just paintings, these three events offer visitors the chance to discover art forms they may not be familiar with. Coinciding with Paris+ Art Basel, these opportunities are not to be missed and visitors are sure to come away with a new creative outlook.