Month: April 2025

Urban Art Fair : The European Barometer of Street Art and Contemporary Urban Art

Urban Art Fair, the international fair shaping the urban art market

Since its creation in Paris, Urban Art Fair has established itself as the first international fair exclusively dedicated to contemporary urban art. Held at the Carreau du Temple in the heart of the French capital, it brings together galleries, artists, collectors and art professionals each year with a shared ambition : to offer a global and demanding vision of the international urban art scene.

In less than a decade, the event has secured a strategic position within the European art calendar. More than just an art fair, Urban Art Fair now stands as a true barometer of the evolution of street art and its market.

Monumental installation presented during Urban Art Fair at the Carreau du Temple, Paris.

A privileged observatory of the international urban art scene

Urban Art Fair offers a unique opportunity to observe the transformations of contemporary urban art in real time. The simultaneous presence of established galleries, emerging artists and historic graffiti figures provides a comprehensive panorama of current artistic practices.

Each edition highlights :

rising urban artists
dominant aesthetic trends
evolving formats and techniques
the structuring of the international market
the growing interest of collectors

This exceptional concentration of specialized actors gives the fair the status of an essential observatory for understanding the dynamics of street art across Europe.

Urban Art Fair at the Carreau du Temple, Paris. — Urban Art Fair 2023

A platform legitimizing contemporary urban art

Long considered marginal, urban art is now experiencing unprecedented institutional and commercial recognition. Urban Art Fair actively supports this transformation by offering a professional framework dedicated to urban practices and encouraging dialogue between artists, galleries and collectors.

The fair contributes significantly to :

the recognition of urban artists within the global art market
the integration of street art into private and public collections
the international visibility of specialized galleries
the dialogue between urban art, architecture, design and contemporary art

This mediating role reinforces its status as a structuring platform for the entire urban art ecosystem.

DS Agency – Urban Art Fair 2023 – Artist Hopare

Paris, European capital of street art

With Urban Art Fair, Paris confirms its role as a European capital of urban art. Historically linked to graffiti culture and artistic interventions in public space, the city now hosts a major event that attracts an international and highly qualified audience each year.

Collectors, curators, institutions and art enthusiasts gather to discover new artistic directions and anticipate future developments within the urban art market.

Urban Art Fair 2025 – crédit photo : Lionel Belluteau unoeilquitraine

Urban Art Fair : a strategic event for collectors and professionals

Attending Urban Art Fair means gaining access to a global vision of the contemporary urban art scene. The fair provides a unique environment to :

discover international artists
identify emerging trends in street art
meet galleries and market players
anticipate developments in contemporary urban art

Through a demanding curatorial approach and a rigorous selection of galleries, Urban Art Fair confirms its status as a key event within the European contemporary art landscape.

A European barometer of urban art

By bringing together leading figures from the international urban art scene, Urban Art Fair stands as one of the most relevant European barometers of contemporary urban art. The fair measures its vitality, analyzes its transformations and anticipates its future directions.

Ten years after its launch, Urban Art Fair remains an essential event for understanding the aesthetic, cultural and economic challenges shaping street art today.

ART MAG International covers contemporary art, the art market, and major international art fairs.

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FAQ – Urban Art Fair Paris

What is Urban Art Fair ?

Urban Art Fair is the first international art fair exclusively dedicated to street art and contemporary urban art. Held annually in Paris, it brings together galleries, artists, collectors and art professionals from around the world.

When will Urban Art Fair 2026 take place ?

Urban Art Fair 2026 will be held from March 19 to March 22, 2026.

Where does Urban Art Fair take place ?

The fair takes place at the Carreau du Temple in Paris, a cultural venue located in the heart of the Marais district and known for hosting major contemporary art events.

Why is Urban Art Fair important for the street art market ?

Urban Art Fair is considered one of the most relevant European barometers of street art and contemporary urban art. It allows collectors, galleries and institutions to observe emerging trends, discover new talents and follow the evolution of the urban art market.

Who attends Urban Art Fair ?

Urban Art Fair attracts an international audience including collectors, galleries, curators, art institutions, brands, and contemporary art enthusiasts interested in street art and urban culture.

How many artists and galleries participate ?

Each edition brings together around 45 galleries and more than 140 international artists, offering a curated panorama of the contemporary urban art scene.

Why visit Urban Art Fair in Paris ?

Visiting Urban Art Fair offers a unique opportunity to discover leading and emerging street artists, understand current market trends, meet galleries and experience one of Europe’s key events dedicated to urban art.

News - Paris

Christophe Leribault, new President of the Louvre: a strategic appointment after the crisis

christophe-leribault-nomination-musee-du-louvre.

Christophe Leribault officially becomes president-director of the Louvre Museum in 2026, succeeding Laurence des Cars at the helm of the world’s most visited cultural institution. This appointment, decided by the Council of Ministers on the proposal of the French Ministry of Culture, marks a strategic turning point for the Louvre.

In a context marked by security concerns and structural transformation, the choice of Christophe Leribault aims to strengthen the museum’s governance, security framework and international influence.

Why the appointment of the new Louvre president is strategic

The appointment comes after the theft that occurred at the museum in October 2025, an event that sparked strong reactions across cultural and political circles.

In response to these tensions, the new president of the Louvre will need to:

strengthen the security of the museum and its collections
restore public and staff confidence
lead a large-scale modernization program
manage record levels of tourist attendance

The Louvre remains one of the most visited cultural sites in the world, welcoming several million visitors each year.

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Christophe Leribault : an expert profile to lead the Louvre

An art historian, chief heritage curator and former director of the Musée d’Orsay, Christophe Leribault has built a strong reputation in the management of major cultural institutions.

Before his appointment to the Louvre, he headed the Public Establishment of the Palace of Versailles, where he led modernization projects, international exhibitions and initiatives to transform the visitor experience.

His expertise in heritage management, museum strategy and crisis leadership played a key role in his selection to head the Paris museum.

Louvre security and the “Nouvelle Renaissance” project

Among the new president’s priorities:

1. Security and safety

Strengthening security systems for the building, the artworks and visitors following the 2025 crisis.

2. Renovation and modernization

The “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance” project includes:

technical renovation of the museum
new visitor routes
improved visitor reception and services
adaptation to massive tourist flows

3. International influence

Christophe Leribault will also be tasked with strengthening:

international partnerships
cooperation with the Louvre Abu Dhabi
the Louvre’s position as a global cultural leader

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FAQ — Appointment of Christophe Leribault as President of the Louvre

Who is the new president of the Louvre Museum in 2026?

The new president-director of the Louvre Museum is Christophe Leribault. An art historian and chief heritage curator, he was appointed in 2026 by the Council of Ministers following a proposal from the French Ministry of Culture.

Who is now leading the Louvre Museum?

Since 2026, Christophe Leribault has been heading the Public Establishment of the Louvre Museum. He succeeds Laurence des Cars as the leader of the world’s most visited museum.

Why was Christophe Leribault appointed president of the Louvre?

His appointment aims to strengthen security, modernization and the international influence of the Louvre. It comes at a strategic time for the museum, marked by major challenges related to safety, visitor numbers and institutional transformation.

What is Christophe Leribault’s professional background?

Christophe Leribault is a heritage specialist and expert in 18th-century art history. He previously led the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie, and later headed the Public Establishment of the Palace of Versailles before being appointed president of the Louvre.

What is the “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance” project?

It is a major renovation and transformation program designed to improve artwork conservation, visitor experience and the museum’s capacity to handle increasing attendance.

Is the Louvre still the most visited museum in the world?

Yes, the Louvre remains one of the most visited museums globally and a leading international reference for heritage, art history and cultural tourism.

What are Christophe Leribault’s main objectives for the Louvre?

The new president aims to reinforce security, modernize the museum, expand international partnerships and maintain the Louvre’s position as a global leader among cultural institutions.

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News - Painting - Paris - Women artists

Visionary Artist and Curator Yaki LI Unveils Major Solo Exhibition at the Grand Palais

Yaki LI Emerges on the International Art Scene

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Art Capital at the Grand Palais, visionary artist and curator Yaki LI makes a remarkable appearance on the international stage. Founder of ANKHART and a rising figure in contemporary art, her works are already held in private and public collections across France, China, the United States, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and Mexico.

Named a “Best Seller” on Artsper within a year, she reaches a decisive milestone in 2026 with a double distinction:

selection for the prestigious Salon des Artistes Français
debut of her first solo exhibition in the exclusive IN SITU sector of the Grand Palais

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A Landmark Solo Exhibition at Art Capital 2026

For this major presentation, Yaki LI unveils three emblematic series: Rainbow Way, Happy Hours, and Four Saisons.

The centerpiece, Rainbow Way (2025) — a monumental two-meter canvas selected by the Salon des Artistes Français — was acquired during the VIP preview for €10,000 by Dr. Qi, a prominent Chinese collector. A work from the Happy Hours series was also sold on opening day to artist Xu Hangda and his mother.

These early acquisitions highlight the growing interest of international collectors in Yaki LI’s work.

From Haute Couture to Contemporary Abstraction

A graduate of the Institut Français de la Mode, Yaki LI built her career within leading fashion houses including Maison Margiela, Lanvin, and Koché. Today, she translates the discipline and sensorial language of haute couture into vibrant and immersive abstraction.

Her presence at Art Capital 2026 at the Grand Palais confirms her position among the most promising voices in contemporary art and marks a defining step in her international ascent.

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News - Paris

Art Capital 2026 : 20th Anniversary Under the Grand Palais Glass Roof

A Historic Return of Art Capital 2026 to the Grand Palais

Art Capital 2026 marks a major milestone for the international contemporary art scene with its iconic return beneath the glass roof of the Grand Palais in Paris. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this landmark event confirms its status as Europe’s leading contemporary art salon, bringing together artists, collectors, and cultural institutions from around the world.

Held under the high patronage of the President of the French Republic and the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Réunion des Musées Nationaux and the City of Paris, this anniversary edition stands as a global reference point for contemporary artistic creation and the international art market.

From February 12 to 15, 2026, more than 3,000 artists from over 40 countries and an audience of approximately 50,000 collectors, curators, and art professionals converged in the French capital for one of the most influential art events of the year.

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Art Capital : An International Salon Uniting Four Historic Institutions

Art Capital distinguishes itself through its unique format, bringing together four historic salons under one prestigious banner:

Salon des Artistes Français
Salon Dessin et Peinture à l’eau
Salon Comparaisons
Salon des Artistes Indépendants

This exceptional convergence positions Art Capital as an essential platform for the discovery of emerging talents, intercultural dialogue, and the promotion of international artistic excellence.

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ANKHART: A Strong International Curatorial Vision Since 2018

Since 2018, ANKHART has established itself as a key curatorial force within Art Capital, presenting each year a refined selection of leading international contemporary artists. For the 2026 edition, the gallery showcased ten outstanding artists across the Salon des Artistes Français, Salon Dessin et Peinture à l’eau, and the prestigious IN SITU sector dedicated to solo exhibitions.

Liu Chun and Daniel Gallais President of the Salon Dessin Peinture à l’eau

This presence reaffirms ANKHART’s mission: to support ambitious contemporary creation, foster international artistic mobility, and build bridges between institutions, the art market, and global collectors.

Artistic Distinctions: Institutional Recognition and Technical Excellence

Bruno Madelaine, President of the Société des Artistes Français, standing in front of the artwork by JIANG Wei, recipient of the Bronze Medal at the Salon des Artistes Français during ART CAPITAL 2026 at the Grand Palais in Paris.

The 2026 edition was marked by the distinction of emerging artist JIANG Wei, awarded the Bronze Medal at the Salon des Artistes Français. The Salon’s president praised the technical mastery and remarkable sensitivity of her work, highlighting the growing recognition of artists supported by ANKHART.

In the highly selective IN SITU sector, limited to only 32 artists worldwide, two artists recommended by ANKHART were selected.

This dual selection reflects the gallery’s curatorial relevance and its expanding international influence within contemporary art networks.

Commercial Success and Rising International Collector Interest

Beyond institutional recognition, Art Capital 2026 also confirmed the vitality of the contemporary art market. ANKHART secured four on-site sales during the fair:

two works by Yaki LI
two works by Dake

These acquisitions underscore the growing interest of international collectors in the artists presented by ANKHART and in emerging global art scenes.

ART CAPITAL 2026 : A Global Platform for Contemporary Art

By combining curatorial rigor, cultural dialogue, and market dynamism, Art Capital 2026 at the Grand Palais establishes itself as a key global stage for contemporary artistic excellence.

This anniversary edition confirms Paris as a central hub within the international art ecosystem and highlights the decisive role of curatorial platforms such as ANKHART in discovering and promoting emerging talents.

At the dawn of new collaborations and within a constantly evolving art market, Art Capital continues its mission: to provide exceptional visibility for contemporary creation and to strengthen artistic exchanges on a global scale.

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Calendar - News - Painting - Paris

Final Days of “Traversées” by Clément Denis in Paris – Must-See Contemporary Art Exhibition

Matrice Techniques mixtes sur papier 80 X120cm 2017 Artiste Clément Denis

A major contemporary art exhibition in Paris to see now

The final days of “Traversées”, the contemporary art exhibition by French artist Clement Denis, are now underway at The.Curators, located at 20 rue Meslay in central Paris. Drawing strong interest from collectors, curators, and international art lovers, the exhibition is approaching its closing date — making this a rare opportunity to discover one of the most compelling contemporary painters working in France today.

For visitors searching for what contemporary art exhibition to see in Paris right now, Traversées stands out as a powerful and immersive artistic experience in the heart of the city.

Conceived as an invitation to travel, the exhibition presents a series of recent works exploring themes of migration, wandering, and personal journeys. Through layered materials and gestural compositions, Clement Denis creates a visual language that resonates strongly with today’s global cultural and environmental questions.

Struggling II, acrylic on paper, 105 × 75 cm, 2025.

Clément Denis : a contemporary artist shaped by travel and experience

French contemporary artist Clément Denis has developed a distinctive painterly practice rooted in movement, exploration, and lived experience. Often described as a modern artistic nomad, his work evokes literary figures such as Jack Kerouac and Pierre Loti — blending poetic sensibility with raw material presence.

An honorary resident of the Claude Monet House in Vétheuil, Clement has spent years building a visual narrative on paper composed of passages, traces, and fleeting appearances. His works combine:

expressive gestural painting
collage and woven paper compositions
physical engagement with materials using brushes, fingers, and hands
mixed media including acrylic, pastel, ink, and pencil

Using spatulas, spray bottles, cloths, and brushes, the artist produces complex textures and layered surfaces. Each artwork becomes a sensitive landscape where memory, movement, and nature intersect — positioning Clement Denis among notable emerging voices in contemporary French art.

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The Struggle - Hand game VII 90 X 70cm 2025 — **The** **Struggle – Hand game VII** 90 X 70cm 2025

A contemporary art practice engaging with nature and global change

At the core of Clement Denis’ artistic vision lies a deep connection to natural elements — water, sand, light — and an awareness of environmental transformation. His paintings reflect ongoing concerns around climate change and its impact on both landscapes and human experience.

Following his acclaimed presentation at arTgenteuil Urban Contemporary, Denis continues to develop an intimate figurative language enriched by references to Sumerian civilization and post-structuralist thought. This dialogue between ancient cultures and contemporary philosophy gives his work a unique conceptual depth that appeals to international collectors and curators.

The result is a body of work that is both contemplative and emotionally charged — a refined yet powerful exploration of travel, memory, and transformation.

**Elle** mixed media on paper, 115 X 180 cm / **Lui** mixed media on paper, 115 X 180 cm 2025

Why see this contemporary art exhibition in Paris before it closes

Visiting Traversées in its final days offers a unique opportunity to :

discover recent and previously unseen works by Clément Denis
experience one of the most talked-about contemporary art exhibitions in Paris
explore a new gallery space dedicated to emerging and established artists
acquire works from an artist gaining increasing international attention

For collectors, art professionals, and cultural travelers seeking top contemporary art exhibitions in Paris, this show is not to be missed.

Exhibition details – Clément Denis “Traversées” Paris

Artist : Clément Denis
Exhibition title : Traversées
Venue : The.Curators Gallery
Address : 20 rue Meslay, Paris, France
Location : Central Paris – République / Arts et Métiers district
Dates : Closing date : March 1st

A must-see contemporary art exhibition in Paris

More than an exhibition, Traversées offers an immersive artistic journey through movement, memory, and material exploration. Through gestural painting, collage, and organic textures, Clément Denis invites viewers to cross emotional and geographic boundaries.

For those looking for must-see contemporary art in Paris, these final days present a rare chance to experience Traversées before it closes — a poetic and deeply contemporary exhibition that captures the spirit of travel and transformation.

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FAQ — Which exhibition to see in Paris this weekend?

Which exhibition should I see in Paris this weekend?

Discover Traversées, the exhibition by contemporary artist Clément Denis at The.Curators. A poetic immersion between painting, travel and material in the heart of Paris.

Is there an interesting exhibition or opening in Paris right now?

Yes. Traversées is one of the contemporary art exhibitions to see in Paris right now and is entering its final days.

Why choose this exhibition?

To discover a contemporary artist to watch, a selection of recent works, and an immersive exhibition in an intimate gallery space in central Paris.

Where is it taking place?

The.Curators, 20 rue Meslay, Paris (République / Arts et Métiers area).

Until when can it be seen?

Until March 1 — one of the last opportunities to see the exhibition this weekend.

Edito - News

Editorial — ART MAG #31 Contemporary Art: Artists, Market and International Scenes

Contemporary art is no longer confined to the studio or the gallery. It travels, expands and asserts itself across an international scene in constant transformation. Observing a work of art today means understanding a global ecosystem where contemporary artists, collectors and galleries interact between Paris, Monaco and Dubai.

In this issue #31, ART MAG illustrates this dynamic in concrete terms. On the occasion of Art Capital at the Grand Palais, we highlight international artists selected in prestigious sectors such as IN SITU, confirming the essential role of major art fairs in institutional recognition.

At World Art Dubai, the Middle Eastern scene confirms its strategic position within the international art market. The participation of Multi Art Gallery Monaco reflects this global openness, connecting European artists with international collectors.

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Multi Art Gallery at World Art Dubai in 2025

This issue also explores distinctive artistic approaches: the sensitive abstraction of Michele Socionovo, the transfigured photography of Dominique Gautier and the monumental sculptural work of Steve Chaudanson. Each of these practices reflects the diversity and vitality of contemporary creation in 2026.

Through these artists and international platforms, ART MAG affirms its position as an international contemporary art magazine dedicated to promoting artistic talent and analyzing trends shaping today’s art market.

Observe. Understand. Collect.

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Calendar - News - Painting - Paris

Nard Kwast : The Contemporary Master of Classical Art Exhibiting in Paris in March

An exceptional exhibition at Elysia Gallery

From March 5 to 25, 2026, Elysia Gallery in Paris presents a solo exhibition dedicated to Dutch painter Nard Kwast, a major figure in contemporary classical painting. Located in the heart of the Marais district, the gallery showcases a selection of remarkable works that demonstrate the vitality and relevance of painting inspired by the Old Masters.

This Paris art exhibition stands out as a must-see event for enthusiasts of classical art, figurative painting, and traditional painting techniques. A preview by appointment will be available starting March 3, 2026, followed by the opening reception on March 5 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Nard Kwast, a contemporary painter in the lineage of the 17th-century Masters

Born in 1973, Nard Kwast works within the tradition of the great 17th-century masters. His approach is not nostalgic but demonstrative: classical painting remains a distinctly contemporary language when carried out with a high level of technical rigor.

Through an in-depth study of historical processes, the artist has mastered the fundamentals of classical painting:

glazing and layered paint application
chiaroscuro
extreme precision of textures
orchestration of light

Each work reveals meticulous attention to detail, where the pictorial material brings objects, faces, and atmospheres to life.

**Jakob Zegent de Zonen van Jozef – 200 × 244 cm**

A contemporary classical painting exhibition in Paris

The exhibition brings together ambitious compositions, including the monumental oil painting Jakob zegent de zonen van Jozef , along with still lifes and portraits. The works on display demonstrate Nard Kwast’s ability to create striking pictorial illusion: every skin appears to breathe, every object seems tangible, and every shadow tells a silent story.

This figurative painting exhibition in Paris is aimed at collectors as well as art history and traditional technique enthusiasts. It highlights a rare artistic practice grounded in technical mastery and aesthetic rigor.

An artist recognized on the international stage

Nard Kwast is gaining increasing recognition on the international art scene. He notably appeared in Dutch television programs dedicated to the Old Masters, participating in the reconstruction of a lost Vermeer in the program De Nieuwe Vermeer, in dialogue with experts from the Rijksmuseum.

In 2024, he received the Award for Exceptional Technique at the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York, confirming his status as an outstanding artist in the field of contemporary classical painting.

Why visit this art exhibition in Paris in 2026?

Visiting the Nard Kwast exhibition at Elysia Gallery offers a unique opportunity to:

discover a contemporary master of classical painting
admire works of remarkable technical virtuosity
explore the dialogue between pictorial tradition and contemporary creation
experience a major artistic event in Paris in March 2026

Practical information: Nard Kwast exhibition in Paris

Venue: Elysia Gallery
13 rue d’Ormesson, 75004 Paris (Le Marais)

Dates: March 5–25, 2026
Preview: By appointment from March 3, 2026
Opening reception: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6 pm – 9 pm

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FAQ – Nard Kwast Exhibition in Paris 2026

Where is the Nard Kwast exhibition taking place in Paris?

The exhibition is held at Elysia Gallery, located at 13 rue d’Ormesson in Paris’s 4th arrondissement, in the heart of the Marais.

Where can I see a contemporary classical painting exhibition in Paris?

To see a contemporary classical painting exhibition in Paris, visit Elysia Gallery (Paris 4th arrondissement). The gallery hosts Dutch artist Nard Kwast from March 5 to 25, 2026, with a selection of major works.

Who is Nard Kwast, the artist exhibiting in Paris?

Nard Kwast is a contemporary Dutch painter recognized for his mastery of Old Master techniques: glazing, chiaroscuro, precise textures, and the orchestration of light. His work bridges pictorial tradition and contemporary vision.

Why visit the Nard Kwast exhibition in Paris?

Visiting the Nard Kwast exhibition in Paris offers the opportunity to discover figurative painting of exceptional technical virtuosity. It appeals to art lovers, collectors, and professionals wishing to explore today’s contemporary classical painting.

What are the dates of the Nard Kwast exhibition in Paris?

The exhibition runs from March 5 to 25, 2026, at Elysia Gallery. A private preview by appointment is available starting March 3, 2026.

When is the opening reception for the Nard Kwast exhibition?

The official opening reception takes place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 6 pm to 9 pm at Elysia Gallery in the Marais district of Paris.

Calendar - International - News - Painting

At Madrid’s Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, a Landmark Installation Dedicated to Express (1963) by Robert Rauschenberg

In Madrid, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza presents an exceptional installation devoted to Express (1963), a seminal work by Robert Rauschenberg. On view from 3 February to 24 May 2026, the exhibition Rauschenberg: Express. On the Move forms part of the international celebrations marking the centenary of the artist’s birth and offers a contemporary re-reading of a painting that has become legendary.

Artwork Express (1963) by Robert Rauschenberg, a silkscreen painting combining images of horse riders, dancers, and scenes of motion. — **Robert Rauschenberg, *Express*, 1963.** Silkscreen and oil on canvas, 184.2 × 305.2 cm.
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid. © Ugo Mulas / Archivio Ugo Mulas – All rights reserved

Express (1963): Movement as an Artistic Language

Painted in 1963, Express belongs to the series of silkscreen paintings that marked a decisive turning point in Rauschenberg’s career. By incorporating imagery drawn from the American press—horse riders, dancers, wheels, bodies in motion—the artist captures the frenetic rhythm of modern society and translates the idea of movement into visual form.

Through the use of commercial silkscreen printing, a technique he adopted in 1962, Rauschenberg developed a new visual grammar based on repetition, enlargement, and superimposition. Painting becomes a hybrid space, at the crossroads of photography, collage, and gestural mark-making.

Transport of Robert Rauschenberg’s artworks by boat during the 1964 Venice Biennale, photographed by Ugo Mulas. — © Ugo Mulas / Archivio Ugo Mulas – All rights reserved

An Immersive Exhibition at the Heart of the Creative Process

More than a conventional display, Express. On the Move stands out for its analytical and immersive approach. The exhibition retraces the different stages of the artist’s working process: the selection of photographic sources, the production of silkscreen screens, the transfer of images onto canvas, and the final manual interventions with paint.

Archival documents, original images from American magazines, and historic photographs by Italian photographer Ugo Mulas shed light on the way Rauschenberg deliberately blurred the boundaries between disciplines, engaging in a dialogue with dance, performance, and the visual arts.

Transport of a work by Robert Rauschenberg during the 1964 Venice Biennale, photographed by Ugo Mulas. — © Ugo Mulas / Archivio Ugo Mulas – All rights reserved

From Venice to International Recognition

Express occupies a central position in Rauschenberg’s career. The work was shown at the Venice Biennale in 1964, where the artist was awarded the Grand Prize for Painting, becoming the first American to receive this honor.

This moment marked a historic shift: American contemporary art asserted itself on the international stage, and Rauschenberg emerged as one of its leading figures, exerting a lasting influence on subsequent generations of artists.

Rauschenberg Today: An Oeuvre in Constant Motion

Through this installation, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza emphasizes the enduring relevance of Rauschenberg’s artistic thinking. His work—grounded in exchange, experimentation, and hybridity—resonates powerfully with contemporary artistic practices.

Express thus appears not only as a historical milestone, but as a work that remains active and responsive, capable of engaging with our image-saturated present defined by speed, circulation, and visual flow.

Practical Information – Rauschenberg Exhibition in Madrid

Venue: Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid
Dates: 3 February – 24 May 2026
Gallery: Room 48, Permanent Collection
Opening hours:
– Monday: 12:00–4:00 pm (free admission)
– Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am–7:00 pm
Standard admission: €14

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