A multidisciplinary programming
The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain opted for multidisciplinary programming embracing all fields of creation. Painting, sculpture, cinema, photography... these numerous dialogues paved the way for singular works and surprising exhibitions.
Creation in all its formsFondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain
Painting and sculpture
From Gérard Garouste’s mysterious Indiennes (1988) to Sally Gabori’s monumental paintings (2022), painting is widely exhibited at the Fondation Cartier. Meanwhile, an entire park in Jouy-en-Josas was dedicated to sculpture — notably featuring Le Pot Doré (1985).
Cinema
Cinema, already evoked through Raymond Depardon, or through Agnès Varda and David Lynch, who have shown previously unknown facets of their creative universe, also holds an important place in the history of the Fondation Cartier.
Another striking example of its commitment in this respect was the first French exhibition dedicated to the Armenian filmmaker Artavazd Pelechian: in 2020, it proposed an unprecedented dialogue between Nature (2020), his first film in twenty-seven years, Land of the People (1966), and The Seasons (1975). Beyond organizing exhibitions with filmmakers, the Fondation Cartier has also supported productions.
Creation in all its formsFondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain
Photography
Since its creation, the Fondation Cartier has also supported photographers. As for Raymond Depardon, regularly showcasedand involved in Fondation Cartier projects, the Fondation Cartier held his largest ever solo show, in collaboration with Jean-Michel Alberola.
Architecture
For 40 years, the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain has shown its commitment to architecture. In 2023, it welcomed Bijoy Jain of India, founder of Studio Mumbai, who conceived the exhibition Breath of an Architect.
Exhibition design
The Fondation Cartier’s interest for design and architecture is also conveyed in the staging of its exhibitions, exploring the multitude of visual perspectives offered by the building at 261 Boulevard Raspail in Paris, and bringing new dimensions to the works on display.
Patti Smith's Soirée Nomade, Six voyelles, Vert, September 10, 2014 (2014-09-10)Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain
The role of Performing Arts
A privileged venue for all forms of contemporary creation, from early on, the Fondation Cartier showed a keen interest in the performing arts. In 1990, it hosted a reunion of the legendary Velvet Underground for a one-time concert that would go down in the Fondation Cartier's history.
Soirée Nomade de Cassandro, El Exotico, proposed by Marie Losier, November 3, 2014 (2014)Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain
The Nomadic Nights, a novel concept
Following this seminal event, in 1994, the Nomadic Nights were launched — a new concept at the time, hosting performing arts events in the exhibition spaces. For these events, the Fondation Cartier invites artists to forget conventions and experiment.
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