In Paris, leading contemporary art fair FIAC returns to the Grand Palais for its 43rd year, bringing together 186 specialist galleries – including 42 new exhibitors (20–23 October). Led by dynamic director Jennifer Flay, among the international big-hitters are Gagosian, Lisson, Sprueth Magers, Thaddaeus Ropac, Michael Werner, and Xavier Hufkens. Notable solo exhibitions include Cathy Wilkes at the Modern Institute, Aurélien Froment at Marcelle Alix, and Guan Xiao at Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler.
WHAT IS FIAC?
Founded in Paris in 1974, the International Contemporary Art Fair [Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain] brings together modern and contemporary art galleries. All media are represented: painting, sculpture, photography, installations, videos, performances, and digital arts. In 2016, the FIAC assembles 186 galleries, originating from 27 countries.
WHEN AND WERE DOES FIAC TAKE PLACE?
FIAC is held each year in late October, in Paris, at the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. In 2016, FIAC opens its doors from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 October.
Built for the 1900 World Fair and listed as an historic monument, the Grand Palais accommodates under the largest glass ceiling in Europe over 1.5 million visitors per year during events dedicated to contemporary creation and innovation.
Like its neighbour, the Petit Palais was also built for the 1900 World Fair and became the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris in 1902.
HOW MANY VISITORS DOES THE FIAC ATTRACT ?
FIAC is the meeting place dedicated to art professionals and each year invites gallery owners, collectors, artists, curators, directors of institutions and personalities from the international contemporary art world from over 66 countries. Each year, FIAC records over 70 000 entries.
Photo Katherine Bernhardt
Untitled, 2015
Acrylic on spray paint on canvas
96 x 120 inches
Katherine Bernhardt
