Exhibitions in Paris – All-You-Can-Eat

Text and images by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Exhibitions are still exhibitions; I enjoy viewing them endlessly without tiring. Viewing is a major pleasure in my life, satisfying my curiosity, expanding my vision of life, and bringing new experiences. Unable to finish all the exhibitions, I take it all in at once until I am completely satisfied. Indeed, seeing exhibitions in Paris is like an all-you-can-eat buffet. For over thirty years, day after day, I have witnessed the changes of the era and the evolution of trends. Some say that my exhibition visits in Paris are like "patrolling the paddy fields." Indeed, I am not exceptionally smart, but I believe diligence can make up for lack of talent.

Currently, several large-scale exhibitions in Paris: The Centre Pompidou retrospective of German Neo-Expressionist artist Anselm Kiefer ends this Sunday. When one major exhibition concludes, another beloved Paul Klee blockbuster takes its place, and within the museum, there is also a special exhibition on French narrative realist painter Gérard Fromanger. The Paris Municipal Museum of Modern Art presents "Pandora's Box - Alternative Photography," exploring photographic history and contemporary artistic inquiries into photography. There is also the forgotten French painter Albert Maququet, an artist on the edge of Fauvism, with his retrospective "Painting of Time Rests."

The Palais de Tokyo in Paris features a series of solo exhibitions and special shows. Two major themes encompass several exhibitions: the retrospective of French artist Jean-Michel Alberola, "Partial Adventures," an outstanding artist who moved from painting to conceptual art. Another alternative exhibition, "Double - Me," mixes artistic craftsmanship and the artist's work, presenting French artisan workshops while integrating artists' works, leaving viewers unsure of what constitutes art. Additionally, there are special exhibitions by young artists Florian & Michael Quistrebert, "The Light of the Light," focusing on painting and video installations, leaning towards Op Art.

The Bibliothèque nationale de France currently hosts the solo exhibition of Spanish artist Miquel Barceló, "Sol y Sombra," primarily featuring prints, and creating a large mural on the library's vast floor-to-ceiling transparent windows. Besides these major exhibitions, there are others such as those at the Grand Palais or two major photography museums and galleries, among others. Exhibitions are still exhibitions; walking until my legs go soft, I will return tomorrow. Let me be overwhelmed and delighted, visiting again and again, until I am full.