Paris Art Scene Heats Up
Paris is bursting with art this March: Check out 'Manga. Tout un art!' exploring manga as a unique tradition (opens March 19) [https://www.ffjs.org/projets/article/manga-tout-un-art]. Or, see 'Gwen John: Strange Beauties,' a tribute to the radical post-impressionist artists [https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/gwen-john-strange-beauties-exhibition-review/]. Today, families can catch a screening of Jean Cocteau's 'La Belle et la Bête' [https://unidivers.fr/event/le-carreau-du-temple-paris-paris-2026-03-10t1500000100/].
The "Manga. Tout un art!" exhibit at the Musée Guimet, closing March 9, explores the history of Japanese comics and their influence on global culture. The exhibition showcases original manga alongside historical objects, highlighting manga's evolution and impact on fashion and haute couture. It also examines the influence of earlier Japanese art, like Hokusai's "Great Wave," on manga artists. Gwen John, born in Wales in 1876, defied convention to become a celebrated artist in Paris. The "Gwen John: Strange Beauties" retrospective highlights her unique style and perspective, setting her apart as a radical voice in modernism. The exhibition also emphasizes John's Catholic faith and how it shaped her artistic vision, moving beyond traditional interpretations of her work. It features over 200 of her works, including rarely seen pieces, celebrating the 150th anniversary of her birth. Jean Cocteau's 1946 film "La Belle et la Bête" was produced shortly after World War II, reflecting France's transformation. Cocteau broke the fourth wall at the beginning of the movie, and asked the audience for "childlike simplicity". The film blends classical drama with avant-garde techniques, influencing American filmmakers. The characters in "La Belle et la Bête" grapple with contradictory desires, instincts, and obligations. Paris in March 2026 offers a vibrant art scene, with numerous exhibitions beyond those initially mentioned. "Renoir and Love" at the Musée d'Orsay showcases the Impressionist master's works. The Bourse de Commerce presents "Clair-obscur," featuring contemporary artists. The Musée de l'Orangerie is hosting "Henri Rousseau, The Ambition of Painting".
