“Black Paris” retraces the presence of Black artists in France. This happened from the 1950s to 2000. The black gallery celebrates these 150 artists. They came from Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Their works have often never been displayed in France before.
The black gallery offers a vibrant immersion into a cosmopolitan Paris. It was a place of resistance and creation. It gave rise to a wide variety of practices. These range from identity awareness to the search for trans-cultural artistic languages.
This historical voyage reveals the importance of artists of African descent. They helped redefine Modernisms and Post-modernisms. The black gallery is attentive to circulations and networks. It proposes a living map of Paris. This map is often entirely new.
In 2022, Avenue Matignon welcomed new spaces. These spaces championed contemporary artists of color. Mariane Ibrahim is dedicated to cultivating strong connections. These are between art scenes in the U.S. and Europe.
Ibrahim launched her Paris facility in September 2021. It featured a group show inspired by Josephine Baker’s song. The song is “J’ai deux amours, mon pays et Paris.” This tune echoes her vision. She wants to represent artists from multiple countries and cultures.
Carmen Neely is an African-American woman based in Chicago. Her Abstract Expressionist works are displayed in the exhibition room. It is at the rear of the ground floor.
Ferrari Sheppard is based in Los Angeles. The black gallery describes his work as celebrating the humanity of Black people. This is in the Americas and within the diaspora. His “One Way Ticket” greets visitors at the door. The rest of his works are displayed on the first floor.
Cécile Fakhoury opened her black gallery in October 2021. Here, she showcases the work of contemporary African artists.
Fakhoury’s exhibition features the work of Senegalese artist Kassou Seydou. Seydou lives and works in Keur Massar, Senegal. His allegorical works are instantly recognizable. This is due to the delicate lace-like marks. They virtually cover his canvases.
Laurence Choko’s heart was set on making a mark on the art world. She wanted to be a curator and owner. She realized this dream. She opened Galerie Intemporel in Paris in 1982.
Choko discovered Caribbean art. This inspired her to collect art. She wanted to represent artists who had little visibility in Europe. She began promoting Black artists. She put their works beside those of European painters. This inspired French audiences. They asked why the work of Black artists had never been represented.
Choko has moved Intemporel to a private location. She welcomes visitors by appointment only. This black gallery makes you see the expression of Black fine art. It is a universal experience.