The Grand Palais in Paris is hosting this weekend “WANTED!”—a contemporary art experience with Perrotin. For 48 hours only, you have the chance to venture through the building’s empty nave, in search of 20 hidden works donated by contemporary artists. Before embarking on the quest, participants should know one thing: if you find an artwork, you take it home.
In 2016, Perrotin presented a project with Elmgreen & Dragset wherein the artistic duo transformed the same empty space into a sculptural object. Recalling this venture, the works in “WANTED!” have been developed by each artist especially for the event, taking into account the building’s historic architecture and crafting them with the intention of being hidden throughout the structure. The 20 participating artists include names like Paola Pivi, GaHee Park, Takashi Murakami, Daniel Arsham, Xavier Veilhan, Genesis Belanger, JR, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Klara Kristalova, Aya Takano, and Bharti Kher.
JR, “JR au Louvre et le Secret de la Grande Pyramide, Relique #21,” © Pyramide, architecte I. M. Pei, musée du Louvre, Paris, France, 2019, Print, paper strip, wood, 32 x 22 x 4 cm; © Courtesy of the artist & Perrotin.
“Since we don’t know where we are going, it is almost as if anything is possible: immense, adventurous, and unapologetic projects make us feel connected to the world in this moment,” said gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin. “Works of art are more precious than ever, which is why it is important to offer them to as many people as possible.”
Anticipating the Grand Palais’ extended closure for upcoming renovations, the quest offers a last chance for visitors to enjoy the space in the foreseeable future. Free to the public, those interested in participating should reserve their spot online.
Takashi Murakami, Lithographie “Flowerball blood’’ (3D), 2016, 71 cm in diameter, Edition of 300; © Takashi MURAKAMI/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved, courtesy of Perrotin.
