Monory: Métacrime, 1990
At: SALVADOR
Tom Blackwell: Market Basket Harley, 2006
At: PATRICE TRIGANO
Fabiano Marques: Mar pequeno, 2003 – ©Fabiano Marques / Courtesy Atelier Cardenas Bellanger
At: ATELIER CARDENAS BELLANGER
FIAC 2006
Paris, October 26-30 2006
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The year 2006 marks a major stage in FIAC’s evolution, with an unprecedented number of new elements: a new implantation in the heart of Paris; new prestigious sites; high-level contents based on a heightened selectivity and a reaffirmation of our desire to open to new ideas: special projects, quality services, different ways of visiting the fair. These choices are a logical continuation of the renewal process that FIAC began with the introduction of design and very young galleries in 2004, and the organisation of a series of events in the Grand Palais in 2005. This process has accelerated even more this year, culminating in a new, durable approach that will certainly undergo other improvements and innovations in years to come.
For its 33rd edition, FIAC has invested the Grand Palais and the Cour Carrée of the Louvre museum. This position in the centre of the city, in close proximity to its important cultural institutions, its artistic venues and “art de vivre” lifestyle is a strong strategic choice: to closely associate the FIAC with the image of Paris, its attractiveness, its quality of life, the reborn vitality of its artistic scene. Between international scope and the French touch, FIAC is Paris and nowhere else.
The 5 strong points of FIAC 2006
1) The sites of FIAC 2006: a new geography
The Grand Palais: Several days after the Grand Palais re-opened in 2005, FIAC was the first fair to invest its historic site, hosting a programme involving 40 international artists. This year, the Grand Palais will house stands of 98 galleries specialising in modern art and contemporary art with a scenography that highlights the immense volumes of the nave, enhanced by the construction of double level spaces at the north and south extremities, a first for the site.
The Cour Carrée of the Louvre museum: This is the first year that FIAC will invest the Cour Carrée of the Louvre-an outstanding event since this is the first time that this prestigious site has been used either for a contemporary art event or an art fair. The presence in the Cour Carée is inscribed in the framework of a broad and multifaceted partnership with the Louvre museum which includes an artistic facet (with a programme of contemporary art works in the Tuileries gardens (see below) and initiatives directed towards a younger audience. The architecture had to be equal to the quality of the site. An ephemeral transparent structure of 5200 sq. metres in the centre of the Cour, in complete harmony with the façade, houses 71 exhibitors: 62 galleries of contemporary art and cutting-edge creation as well as 9 galleries in the design sector, conceived today in an innovative spirit.
A new way to experience FIAC in the heart of Paris : In order to win the gamble of an installation in two separate sites, we have developed an offer of comprehensive services. Besides the multiple transportation possibilities, made easier by the proximity of the Cour Carrée and the Grand Palais (a 30-minute walk,mmetro line 1, or by Batobus, stops Louvre and Grand Palais), we provide free, regular navettes (buses) flying the colours of the FIAC and leaving each site everym15 minutes, as well as car and minibus services for collectors and invited guests.
Opening and closing times have also been rethought; FIAC will be open every day (except the last, Monday the 30th) until 9pm, allowing the working public to visit it easily at the end of the day. Also, we propose a new admission system: one entry ticket allows visitors to go to both sites whenever they want (not necessarily one after the other, nor the same day), and a new permanent pass permits as many visits as desired. Our goal in implementing these decisions is to encourage a new style of visiting
FIAC: going through one of the sites, wandering in the Tuileries gardens among the art works, visiting one of the exhibitions on in Paris during the fair, returning to FIAC another time or day. Making FIAC part of the city, part of everyday life.
2) The galleries of the 2006 edition: rigorous selectivity, new arrivals, a reaffirmed broad-based identity
The constraints related to FIAC’s new implantation have imposed important space restrictions, causing a reduction in the number of participating galleries (-25%). In spite of this limitation, we have chosen to reaffirm the generalist dimension of FIAC. The ambition to present 20th century classics, high-quality international contemporary art and cutting edge creations as well as design is the foundation of FIAC’s identity. In order to preserve this large scope a rigorous selection processes in every sector was necessary.
The 2006 selection includes 169 galleries from 22 countries. The French galleries (77) represent approximately 45%, foreign galleries (92) 55%. 41 galleries are newcomers (either first-time participants or returnees to FIAC after one or several years of absence.)
3) Cultural programmes: promenades, invitations, prizes.
Sculptures and exterior projects in the Tuileries gardens. In the context of the partnership between the FIAC and the Louvre museum, the Tulieries gardens between the Grand Palais and the Cour Carrée, contain an ensemble of exterior projects. Monumental works and unique installations by Alain Bublex, Tony Cragg, Gérard Deschamps, Subodbh Guptah, Richard Long, Jean- Michel Othoniel, Bruno Peinado, Frank Scurti, Franz West.can be appreciated among the alleys, copses, lawns and water basins of the famous gardens.
4) The energy of Paris
During FIAC 2006, there will be a particularly intense artistic activity in Paris. Besides the newly opened or renovated museums such as the Musée du Quai Branly, the Orangerie and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a uniquely rich and varied programme of exhibitions will be open during FIAC: Yves Klein, Robert Rauschenberg, Vija Celmins, the collection of the Caisse de Dépôts et Consignations at the Centre Pompidou, Maurice Denis at the Musée d’Orsay, Karen Kilmnik at the Musée d’art moderne de la Ville de Paris, the cycle of events “5 Billion Years” at the Palais de Tokyo, Lee Friedlander at the Jeu de Paume, Gary Hill at the Fondation Cartier, Balenciaga at the Musée de la Mode , the collection of Sylvio Perlstein at the Maison Rouge, Adel Abdessemed at the Plateau, not to mention Jeff Wall and Fraçis Morellet at Orsay, Candida Höfer at the Louvre, Pawel Althamer at Pompidou. The Festival d’Automne proposes Ernesto Neto’s installation in the Pantheon and Cameron Jamie’s performance at the Opéra Comique. Thanks to FIAC’s close collaboration with the figures responsible for these events we can offer collectors and guests of honour attending the fair an exciting programme filled with openings and private viewings, as well as evening events, receptions, brunches..
5) More and better services
One of the priorities of FIAC 2006 is an improved quality of services provided for all visitors, especially in terms of rest and bar spaces. This concern is obviously addressed in the services offered to French and international collectors.
In both the Cour Carrée and the Grand Palais, private lounge and reception areas designed by Giulio Capellini and an original bar concept conceived by Alain Passard, chef of l’Arpège, will be at their disposition. They can also take advantage of a fleet of official cars made available by Citroën, a FIAC partner for the second year as well as a valet service. The Parcours Privée programme brings together the important players of the Parisian cultural scene and for the first time, thanks to our partnership with the Comité Colbert, the greatest names in French luxury goods and services. Another notable new service is the offer by our partner AXA art of free insurance for works purchased at the FIAC.
It is important to emphasise that all these new or renewed initiatives reflect the desire of numerous players in the economic and cultural sectors (both public and private) to invest the same energy into working together. We offer them our sincere gratitude.
We also extend our thanks to those who contribute to the richness of the FIAC, and without whom it simply would not exist: the gallery owners. And unfortunately, because two important personalities in the French gallery scene, Jean Fournier and Phillip Nelson, as well as a great English lady, Annely Juda,passed away in 2006, we have a special thought for them as the fair approaches. In gratitude and admiration, we dedicate this 33rd edition of the FIAC to their memory.
Martin Bethenod, commissioner-general and Jennifer Flay, artistic director
More information: www.fiacparis.com
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