10 Exhibitions Not to Miss in 2020

The re-opening has started and with it, comes a bunch of fresh exhibitions. Artsper has listed 10 exhibitions not to miss in 2020, from Paris to London. Whether you can’t get enough of paintings or if photography is more your thing, you are sure to find something you’ll love.

1. Spirit, are you there? The Painters of the Beyond

From 10th June to 11th November 2020 at Musée Maillol

After being exhibited at the LaM in Villeneuve d’Ascq, the Musée Maillol is now the next host of the unmissable Art Brut exhibition. The exhibition follows the incredible careers of three men: Augustin Lesage, Victor Simon and Fleury-Joseph Crépin. None of whom had any formal artistic education, yet followed their instincts and began to paint. Therefore, their Hindu and Eastern inspired paintings are often surprising. Come and discover the amazing legacy of these three great artists.

2. Turner – Paintings and Watercolours from the Tate

From 26th May 2020 to 11th January 2021 at Musée Jacquemart André

In partnership with the Tate, the Jacquemart André Museum is welcoming a major retrospective of English artist J M W Turner. The painter made his name through his watercolour landscapes, as well as his portrayal of light. He is still fascinating to this day and there is always more to discover, as it will be the first time that some of the artworks will have been exhibited in France. His scenes under the stars, sunsets and also rare indoor scenes are why it’s one of our exhibitions not to miss in 2020. 

3. Dividing the world, a season of 3 exhibitions

From 21st February to 13th September 2020 at Palais de Tokyo

For its new season, Palais de Tokyo is welcoming three exhibitions. On the first floor, an installation by Ulla Von Brandenburg. ‘Le Milieu est bleu’ invites us into her universe inspired by the circus and theatre. By walking through each tent, the artist plunges the spectator into new spaces full of theatrical references. You can also see the work of Kevin Rouillard, the winner of the SAM Prize. Meanwhile, the ground floor hosts the creations of Middle Eastern contemporary artists. They explore hot topics such as the consequences of global warming and the Arab Spring.

4. Zanele Muholi

From 5th November to 14th March 2021 at Tate Modern

More than 260 photographs by South African artist Zanele Muholi will be exhibited at Tate Modern. This highly anticipated retrospective is finally coming to London. The artist is well known for her involvement in campaigns supporting LGBQT+ and black female communities. Each of her photographs actively subverts gender stereotypes, so much so that Muholi considers her work as ‘visual activism’.

5. Chagall, Modigliani, Soutine… Paris as a school, 1905-1940 

From 2nd April to 23rd August 2020 at the MahJ

This Summer, the MahJ is showcasing the works of the Ecole de Paris. It gathers artists such as Chagall, Modigliani and Soutine from their early days. They all came from different backgrounds and countries, but shared a common fascination for the lively artistic scene of Paris. During the interwar period, they took part in the artistic revolution and were integral in the emergence of several movements such as Abstraction. This exhibition offers the perfect opportunity to learn about this period and the sometimes tragic careers of these artists.

6.  Man Ray and Fashion

From 23th September 2020 to 17th January 2021 at Musée du Luxembourg

After a period at the Cantini Museum in Marseille, the much-awaited exhibition is finally coming to Paris. Emmanuel Radnitsky, more commonly known as Man Ray, was a painter, director and of course photographer. Counting Dadaism and Surrealism as key influences, he then developed his own artistic style.  The exhibition focuses on his fashion photography. From Chanel to Vogue and Vanity Fair, the artist worked with the greatest fashion houses and magazines. His delicate black and white photos are on display for four months, so if you like art and fashion, this is definitely one of the exhibitions not to miss in 2020.

7. Cindy Sherman, a retrospective

At the Louis Vuitton Foundation – Postponed

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is welcoming a Cindy Sherman exhibition for the season. Despite major exhibitions at  MoMA, in San Francisco and Sydney, this is the first time the artist will exhibit in France. Yet another powerful move by the foundation, as this will be the second consecutive exhibition highlighting works by female artists, as this follows in the footsteps of Charlotte Perriand. The photographer is well known for making herself the subject of her photographs which denounce gender stereotypes. This exhibition is all the more exciting as Sherman will present several shots that have never been seen by the public before.

8. Pompeii – Immersive walk. Archeological treasures. New discoveries.

From 1st July to 27th September 2020 at the Grand Palais

For the first time ever, the Grand Palais is organizing an immersive exhibition. It will plunge the spectator into the remains of Pompeii. Thanks to their collaboration with the Pompeii Archeological Park, they will present the city as you have never seen it before. With 3D reconstructions and sound effects, the devoured city still holds many surprises! 

9. Niki de Saint Phalle, Structures for Life

At MoMA – Postponed

This is one of the first major exhibitions for the artist in the US. MoMA has decided to focus on the multidisciplinary aspect of de Saint Phalle’s artworks and her involvement in the social and political debates of her time. For instance, the artist was greatly involved in the fight against climate change and HIV. For the occasion, the museum will exhibit her large iconic sculptures, as well as her architectural projects such as the Tarot Garden. 

10. Sarah Moon, PasséPrésent

From 18th September 2020 to 10th January 2021 at Musée d’art Moderne

The French artist and model, Sarah Moon, will be exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. Moon is a self-taught photographer and began learning the trade when she was working for fashion brands such as Cacharel. Soon she started to include literary and cinematographic references in her photographs, in keeping with her passions. Above all, she is particularly interested in the world of storytelling. For example, she one of her photo series is called ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. Traversing the worlds of art and fashion, Sarah Moon’s work is rich and complex. Showing until 2021, don’t miss out!