Menart Fair Paris

The fall art season in Paris is in full swing, with exhibitions and events taking place across the city. Much anticipated is the 4th edition of Menart Fair, where over thirty galleries from eleven countries will present a range of contemporary art and design from the Middle East and North Africa. The fair takes place at the historic Palais d’Iena between September 15-17th, 2023 and will bring together both emerging and established talent in the region.

Lebanon has always been a leading cultural reference in the contemporary art and design world, and despite its many recent setbacks and economic difficulties, there will be nearly ten Lebanese galleries participating. In addition, French galleries are heavily present, with a focus on artists from MENA, and the remaining galleries from North Africa, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Eight of the galleries presenting at the fair will focus exclusively on design. The artistic selection of this year’s galleries and artists is notable in its diversity and its multiple influences and identities. From traditional calligraphic works to more conceptual and mixed media objects, artists are confronting many themes from social and political issues, including migration, war and women’s rights, to folklore, history and spirituality including the long traditions with poetry in Arab and Persian culture. Menart offers an engaging platform not only to see work by leading artists and designers but where the diverse approach to making, materials and ideas can come together.

In addition to the exhibiting galleries, Menart welcomes work from six leading art foundations and institutions including: Farjam Foundation (Dubai), Afkhami Foundation (Dubai), iii museum (Zurich), Le Cercle de l’Art (Paris), Le Consulat Voltaire (Paris) and the Montresso Art Foundation (Marrakech).

Menart promises to be more than a traditional art fair, with a host of performances and events happening thorugout the weekend. Performances will take places on the opening evening, September 14th, with a piece by choreographer and director, Medhi Kerkouche titled #ondansechezvous, in collaboration with the artist Stessy Emelie and Moroccan painter Samy Snousi, in partnership with the Chaillot Théâtre National de la Danse, which will also be open to the public all weekend with performances in connection with the fair. Throughout the weekend will be round table discussions about issues such as the art market in the Middle East and cultural initiatives supporting countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Palestine, featuring leading curators, scholars and artists. Guillaume Huret from Rejoice will host a musical conference around stories linking Middle Eastern and Western music. Menart Fair will also feature a program of artist videos throughout the weekend.

Menart Fair is at the Palais d’Iena from September 15-17, 2023.

www.menart-fair.com

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