A unique event in Europe, the 4th edition of Menart Fair will welcome in Paris more than 31 galleries from 11 countries, showcasing Art + Design from the Middle East and North Africa. These galleries will be exhibiting the finest selection of rising stars as well as renown talents from these booming creative scenes. This rich and exotic crossroads of discovery and encounters offers a broad repertoire of opportunities.
Hosted at the Palais d’Iéna, a historic 20th-century building and the headquarters of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), Menart Fair is sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture and will be held during the European Heritage Days, a key cultural event this autumn.
The growing interest in, and demand for, art from the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) has sparked the attention of new galleries, whose involvement reflects a real turning point in this market. Indeed, 1/3 of the galleries participating in this upcoming edition of Menart Fair are French and have chosen to represent MENA artists, as well as others from Europe.
Despite the economic difficulties that Lebanon is going through, 1/3 of the galleries are Lebanese and have made the effort to come and present their artists in Paris, the world capital of the arts. North Africa will also be present with some exceptional selections, as will Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Eight galleries have chosen to present designers, some of them renowned and others yet to be discovered. There is a burgeoning generation of innovative designers: the scene is largely intercontinental, with some designers resorting to the cream of craftsmanship, while others are eager to embrace the latest technologies.
Of the 31 exhibiting galleries, 11 are demonstrating their loyalty to Menart Fair by renewing their participation.
And, for the first time, Menart Fair will be welcoming exceptional works from 6 art foundations and international institutions: Farjam Foundation (Dubai), Afkhami Foundation (Dubai), iii museum (Zurich), Le Cercle de l’Art (Paris), Le Consulat Voltaire (Paris) and the Montresso Art Foundation (Marrakech).
On the evening of the inauguration, the choreographer and director, Mehdi Kerkouche will present an artistic performance #OnDanseChezVous, in Preview with the artist Stessy Emelie & the Moroccan painter Samy Snousi – In partnership with Chaillot Théâtre national de la danse.
Later on, guests will discover a musical and choreographic performance of « El Baladi » – or belly dancing – by Lebanese dancer Alexandre Paulikévitch, accompanied by French harpsichordist Laure Vovard, to Préludes by Louis and François Couperin (XVIIIè).
Three round-table discussions (including two in partnership with Sorbonne University’s Expertise and Art Market Master’s program) will highlight the private initiatives that are firmly holding the torch despite the collapse of the state in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Palestine. The genesis of the art market in the Middle East will be retraced, putting ‘on the spot’ the decisive and disruptive personalities who contributed to its birth and originality. And finally, it will be discussed how our inner goals and passions shape our lives and destinies, while contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.
A musical conference with Guillaume Huret from Rejoice will also take us through a unique and entertaining hour of incredible stories linking Middle Eastern and Western music.
A 53-minute program of artist videos will highlight 4 films whose underlying theme is that of an end, a rupture or the expectation of a change.
Children are not forgotten during Menart Fair!
During the weekend of the fair, special events will be organized to explain the works on display. The Fondation Louis Vicat is also organizing a workshop to make molded objects from Prompt natural cement, for kids and adults alike!
A program Off-Site will take you to the Musée de l’Homme to discover an artistic installation by the Lebanese ceramic artist, Samar Mogharbel, in collaboration with the Seine-Maritime ‘s department. The Théâtre National de Chaillot will open its door for a non-stop weekend of dance and performance, with Mehdi Kerkouche, as well as extraordinary walks in the museums* around the Palais d’Iéna.
All the ingredients have been brought together to create a magical experience that will lead to encounters and love at first sight.
Visitors to Menart Fair will discover a selection of leading galleries, a rigorous selection of strong works, humanity, color, poetry, spices, fragrances and smells to bring a unique moment to life: a journey into this luminous and bewitching Orient!
« Despite all the complications and difficulties, the country is going through, Lebanon remains a creative hotspot in the Middle East, both in terms of art and of collectible design. Eight Design galleries are taking part in this upcoming edition of Menart Fair » says Joanna Chevalier, Artistic Director of the fair.
« We’ve recently noticed that a growing number of French and European galleries are including artists from the Middle East. At Menart Fair, 1/3 of them are French! Some major museums in France and Europe have opened MENA departments in their «society of friends». Auction houses are following the craze for these regions and, since 2021, have been organizing more and more dedicated sales. Institutions are preparing exhibitions on artists from the Middle East and North Africa for 2024. Thanks to Menart Fair, the public and art professionals will be able to discover new talents and observe the evolution of those they know. A new market in Europe is taking shape » adds Laure d’Hauteville, founder and director.
Press release from Menart
