Paris Noir: Art, Identity, and Influence

The upcoming Paris Noir exhibition at the Centre Pompidou shines a light on the work of Black artists and their contributions to French culture. Running from the 19th of March until the 30th of June 2025, it will showcase work from 150 artists across Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, many of whom have not been widely exhibited in France before.

Covering the period from the 1950s to 2000, Paris Noir looks at how Black artists engaged with the Parisian art scene and the influence they had on its development. It brings together a diverse mix of paintings, sculptures, and installations, highlighting different artistic approaches and perspectives. Some artists pushed boundaries with bold, experimental work, while others reflected on themes of history, identity, and displacement. The exhibition aims to present both well-known and lesser-known artists.

Alongside the main collection, the exhibition will feature four specially commissioned installations by Valérie John, Nathalie Leroy-Fiévee, Jay Ramier, and Shuck One. These works will be displayed alongside earlier pieces, showing how different generations of artists have approached similar themes. The installations focus on themes of migration, cultural identity, and the experience of Black artists within French society.

Paris Noir also reflects a wider effort by institutions to acknowledge artists who have historically been overlooked. The Centre Pompidou has drawn from various collections and archives to provide historical and artistic context, showing how Black artists contributed to the evolution of French art. By combining older works with contemporary commissions, the exhibition gives visitors a chance to engage with an artistic heritage that has not always been in the spotlight.

The exhibition offers more than just a look at individual works, it presents a broader story of artistic movements, cultural shifts, and how these artists’ work evolved in response to the social and political landscape of their time. It celebrates artistic innovation, offering a visually striking and engaging experience. Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of colour, form, and storytelling, making it an exhibition that is both thought-provoking and visually striking.

With a wide range of works and perspectives on display, Paris Noir invites audiences to explore the impact of Black artists in France in a way that feels both timely and necessary. It contributes to ongoing discussions about representation in the art world, while also recognising the creativity and lasting influence of these artistic legacies.