In a world where some have questioned the relevance of flowers as a motif in contemporary art, a meticulously curated flower-themed art exhibition, presented by the venerable perfume and beauty brand Guerlain in Paris, emerges as a captivating response. This exquisite display, curated by Hervé Mikaeloff, an art consultant and curator based in Paris, breathes new life into the enduring allure of flowers as a subject for artists from around the globe.
Titled “Les Fleurs du Mal” (“The Flowers of Evil”), paying homage to the poetry of Charles Baudelaire, the exhibition is a delightful surprise that casts flowers and floral artworks in a fresh, evocative light. It unveils the intrinsic beauty of flowers, uncovering their ability to symbolize the fragility and sensuality inherent in human nature and emotions.
The exhibition, held at Maison Guerlain, the historic boutique of the renowned 195-year-old florist, perfume, and skincare house on Avenue des Champs-Élysées, opened during Paris+ by Art Basel. It spans three floors and showcases works by 26 international artists, encompassing diverse mediums such as paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. The exhibition is marked by a wealth of compelling and memorable pieces.
One standout is “Hymne à la Rose” (2022) by the Madagascar-born artist Joël Andrianomearisoa, a site-specific sound installation featuring 42 metallic sculptural roses, set in a dimly lit space resonating with the vocals of Moroccan singer Hindi Zahra and Guerlain’s fragrance Épices volées.
Roni Landa, a Tel Aviv-based artist, contributes a pair of rose sculptures that, at first glance, may appear unremarkable but reveal an unexpected sensuality upon closer examination. The exhibition also boasts profoundly symbolic photographic works by renowned Japanese artist and photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, as well as Chinese artist Jiang Zhi. Notably, Anselm Kiefer, known for his monumental works, showcases a rare 2012 watercolor that is vastly different from his usual oeuvre.
The unveiling of the exhibition also coincided with the launch of the Lee Ufan Arles and Maison Guerlain Art and Environment Prize. A jury, presided over by Korean-born artist Lee Ufan, selected French artist Djabril Boukhenaïssi as the winner from among 381 applicants. Boukhenaïssi will receive a six- to eight-week residency opportunity, culminating in a solo exhibition at the Espace MA of Lee Ufan Arles in the summer of 2024.
“Les Fleurs du Mal” continues to enchant visitors until November 13, offering a delightful journey into the alluring world of flowers. Below, we present some of the exhibition’s most captivating highlights.
