Cultural events

Based on photos, soundtracks and extracts from films, this exhibition “by” and not “on” Michel Houellebecq guides the observer through the writer’s obsessions. Developing a close tie with the cinema and the fine arts which accompany and prolong his reflection throughout his novels, Michel Houellebecq here offers readers the chance to step inside his intriguing world. Until September 12th. Palais de Tokyo, 13 avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 16 (01 81 97 35 88).

This exhibition is the first in France to present the work of contemporary artists from Ecuador. The common factor among the works selected is the way we see the world from viewpoints which place in perspective the major systems of opposition within our culture. Until July 20th. Maison de l’Amérique Latine, 217 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 7 (01 49 54 75 00).

This literary and artistic movement, which emerged in the United States at the end of the 1940’s and exerted its influence until the late 1960’s, was a precursor of the cultural, sexual and lifestyle liberation of the young generation. Born at the initiative of William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, this major movement is here explored through sound and visual works, slides and 16-mm projectors, repositioning its culture within broader horizons : from New York to Los Angeles, Paris to Tangier.

Consisting of over 170 engravings from the Jean Ferrero collection, this exhibition proposes an unprecedented exploration of the world of dreams so dear to Salvador Dali. The engravings are accompanied by works on paper, sketches, water-colours and oil paintings from private French collections. From June25th to October 30th. Centre d’Art la Malmaison, 47 boulevard de La Croisette, Cannes (04 97 06 44 90).

With feigned naivety, photographer Lisa Roze has created a series of photos entitled “Pink”. Each image is unique, taken with a transformed Polaroid camera and printed on paper that is no longer produced. Touched up with gold leaf, these images recreate the decor of a “Belle Epoque” boudoir with alluring young women. Taken between 2008 and 2016, they include Vanessa Paradis, Mélanie Laurent, Mélanie Thierry, Louise Bourgoin, Cécile Cassel, Audrey Tautou, Marie Gillain, and James Bond girl Léa Seydoux. Until July 9th. Galerie Mathias Coullaud, 12 rue de Picardie, Paris 3 (01 71 20 90 41).

Nice, the birthplace of Ernest Pignon Ernest, an artist born in 1942 and the initiator of street art, is dedicating a major retrospective to his prolific career. In addition to the works on show at the MAMAC, the artist will produce a series of works “in situ” in the Abbaye de Saint-Pons, inspired by the great Christian mystics, “Les Extases”, and the Louis Nucéra library will stage a cycle of lectures and encounters based on his work. From June 18th to November 27th. MAMAC, place Yves Klein, Nice (04 97 13 42 01).

Facing a building in Berlin about to be demolished in 2011, artist Alain Kramer took time out to contemplate something doomed to disappear. Its walls tagged with a thousand “frescos” seemed to be calling out to him. With his camera at the ready, he decided to immortalise these harmonious, well-balanced details amidst apparent disorder. Since then, curious and convinced that beauty hides in the folds and overlays of ordinary life, Alain Kramer has never ceased tracking down walls. His “Photographic Paintings” are displayed in the open air, admission free, in the Orangerie du Sénat and Luxembourg Gardens. From June 29th to July 10th. Acces Porte Férou, 19 bis rue de Vaugirard, Paris 6.

Almost 2,000 participants will set off on the oldest and one of the most iconic races in the Mediterranean. Leaving from Marseille on June 10th, the entire fleet competing in the Giraglia Rolex Cup will converge on the port of Saint-Tropez for three days of coastal regattas from June 12th to 14th, before heading for Italy. June from 10th to 18th. Port de Saint-Tropez.

This exhibition pays homage to the great photographer Lucien Clergue, instigator of the “Rencontre d’Arles” in 1970. A tireless artist, he contributed to the inauguration of the Jean Cocteau Museum by making a donation of 240 photographs, many taken during the shooting of the film “Le Testament d’Orphée”, directed by Jean Cocteau. These images are presented in their entirety. A great opportunity to discover this museum designed by Rudy Ricciotti, architect of the MuCem in Marseille. Until June 16th. Musée Jean Cocteau, Collection Séverin Wunderman, 2 square de Monleon, Menton (04 89 81 52 50).

This event is the first major tribute to be paid to this top-notch brand in home decor. The expertise and spirit of Pierre Frey unfolds in a chronological presentation tracing 80 years of creative design. Born in 1903, the founder of this essential manufacturer of prestige fabrics started out aged 17 as a simple cutter for the Maison Burger, before teaming up with designer Jean Chatanay to set up his own company. Until June 12th. Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1 (01 44 55 57 50).

A monumental “Mastaba” (Egyptian tomb) signed Christo completely redefines the scale of the Giacometti Courtyard and, more generally, the very architecture of the Maeght Foundation. At the foot of this vast construction comprised of almost 3,000 oil barrels, the spectator is fascinated by a spectacular confrontation with the object, form, colours, space and time. From June 4th to November 27th. Fondation Maeght, 623 Chemin des Gardettes, Saint-Paul-de Vence (04 93 32 81 63).

British pop-rock composer Damon Albarn (of Blur and Gorillaz) returns to the stage of the Châtelet for the French version of a futuristic musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s iconic novel, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. A very hybrid show dedicated to both children and adults, “Wonder.land” tells the tale of the young Aly who, unhappy at home and at school, escapes as soon as she can into a virtual world inhabited by strange avatars. From June to 7th to 16th. Théâtre du Châtelet, 1 place du Châtelet, Paris 1 (01 40 28 28 28).

For the 10th edition of the “Nuit Carrées” festival which takes over the Fort Carré in Antibes, the quintessence of the “French Touch” will be demonstrated by Elephant, Oxmo Puccino, Chinese Man, Puggy, General Elektriks and Breakbot. Two fabulous evenings raising the decibels on the seafront - save the dates ! June 23rd and 24th. Fort Carré, Antibes (www.nuitscarrees.com).

This exhibition dedicated to Canadian artist Jean-Paul Riopelle, who passed away in 2002, offers fresh insight into his work. Drawings, collages, pastels, gouaches, charcoals and engravings produced from 1965 to 1978 bear witness to the incredible versatility of an artist deeply committed to freedom, not very well-known in France. Until June 30th. Galerie Maeght, 42 rue du Bac, Paris 7 (01 45 48 45 15).

“I think there are three ways of confronting the world. The way of those who want to understand it (...), the way of those who want to change it (...), and then the way of those who want to invent it. (...). Which is that of artists, and my way too,” said Jacques Martinez, an iconic figure on the Riviera’s art scene. Two exhibitions are being dedicated to his highly contrasting works. Until June 12th. Galerie de la Marine, 59 quai des Etats-Unis et galerie des Ponchettes, 77 quai des Etats-Unis, Nice (04 93 91 92 92).

Now back on cinema screens in "Batman v Superman : Dawn of Justice", the famous black knight has taken over the entirety of the Galerie Sakura. No less than 30 contemporary artists offer their darkest versions of the masked super-hero of Gotham in photos, paintings, sculptures and videos. Truly iconic ! Until June 12th. Galerie Sakura, 21 rue du Bourg Tibourg, Paris 4 (01 73 77 45 69).

Recently restored, the huge altarpiece 390 x 291 cm painted in Nice in 1516 by Antonio Brea is being loaned by the town of Diano Borello before it rejoins the church from which it comes. On this occasion, the Musée des Beaux Arts is also presenting a new acquisition, a nativity scene, by the same artist. Musée des Beaux Arts Jules Chéret, 33 avenue des Baumettes, Nice (04 92 15 28 26).

Who wears what ? Such is the question raised by the Palais Galliera in this exhibition comprised of about 100 pieces of clothing and accessories encompassing fashion from the 18th century to the present day. The princely garb of the Dauphin of France, Napoleon’s waistcoat, Empress Josephine’s gown, one of George Sand’s dresses, Sarah Bernhardt’s collar, Mistinguett’s Salome costumes, Audrey Hepburn’s suit, Elsa Schiaparelli’s coat, Jean-Paul Gaultier’s conical corset for Madonna, Tilda Swinton’s pyjamas… A truly breathtaking collection. From May 14th to January 8th. Palais Galliera, musée de la mode de Paris, 10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, rue de Galliera, Paris 16 (01 56 52 86 00).

With the fast-approaching UEFA Euro 2016 to be held in June in France - and in Nice, in particular -, the National Sport Museum is getting a head start on the kick-off with this exhibition. Staged in a surface area of over 800 m2, “Gooal ! Rendez-vous Européen” is an invitation to participate in a major celebration of European football, through many documents and other items from the archives, as well as artworks such as the famous representations of footballers produced by Nicolas de Staël and Niki de Saint-Phalle. Musée National du Sport, stade Allianz Riviera, Boulevard des Jardiniers, Nice (04 89 22 44 00).

“One day, through impatience, in a change of mood, equipped with walnut stain and house-painter’s brushes, I hurled myself at the paper,” said Pierre Soulages. This artist who, since his beginnings, has built an output of work running parallel and complementary to his canvases, here unveils works on paper using charcoal, walnut stain, gouache, ink, acrylic paint and graphite. A production of extraordinary diversity, revealed to the public for the first time. Until June 26th. Musée Picasso, place Mariejol, Antibes (04 92 90 54 20).