Exhibiting at the Grand Palais in Paris, in the prestigious setting of ART Capital, is an exceptional artistic and a human experience. This year, I had the chance and the honor to present my photographic universe, the Imaginary Planets, through two distinct spaces: the Salon des Artistes Français and IN SITU, where I had the opportunity to hold a solo stand.
Photo du stand de Paul Marnef à Art Capital dans l'espace IN SITU
Between tradition and singularity: a double artistic presence
La Société des Artistes Français, a century-old institution, has offered me historical recognition: being part of this line of artists exhibited at the Grand Palais since 1881 is a form of artistic transmission and continuity. On the other hand, my solo stand IN SITU allowed me to create a personal space, a setting where I could fully deploy my poetic universe.
Advised by my coach Julie Gammichia, with her approach based on attentive listening and sincere empathy, I opted for a sober scenography, faithful to the principle that less is more. The objective was to let the works breathe, to offer visitors a direct reading of my creations, without overload. Each Imaginary Planet could thus capture the eye and invite reverie, between heaven and earth, between contemporary photography and suspended imagination.
Une présence artistique à Paris sous deux
Lors de ce salon d'art contemporain à Paris j'ai vécu deux expériences sous deux casquettes.
D'une part, et vous l'avez compris, j'avais mon propre stand dans la section Insitu de Art Capital. Il s'agissait en fait de la première fois que Art Capital permettait aux artistes d'exposer leurs œuvres sur un stand qui leur était entièrement dédié.
Imaginary Planets: a range of formats and finishes
To meet the different sensibilities of the public, I chose to vary the formats and finishes:
Chromaluxe prints (sublimation process on aluminum) in 80x80 cm and 50x50 cm, some framed in American box or in chrome aluminum curve, for an elegant contemporary effect.
Small accessible formats, either under 30x30 cm mat, or in a 20x20 cm frame, perfect for small spaces or for a first acquisition.
This diversity allowed each visitor to find their favorite format, whether they are an informed collector, a lover of contemporary art or simply curious in search of a poetic image.
Paul Marnef photographed by Victor Marvaux
Photo d'art en relief de Paul Marnef : Rêverie Pourpre
Purple Reverie: the relief masterpiece that shakes up the codes
At the center of my stand was a unique work: Purple Reverie, a 90x90 cm print that marks a turning point in my artistic practice. This photograph is not content to be a flat image; it comes to life in relief, playing with light and matter.
Inspired by contemporary sculpture, I wanted to offer photography a new dimension, a physical presence that challenges the eye as much as the hand. Each hollow, each projection, modifies perception according to the angle of observation. The image literally lives according to the play of shadow and light. This exploration of the third dimension opens new perspectives to my work and elicits an enthusiastic reaction from the public.
You can discover this
innovative approach on the
dedicated page of my site, where I explain my approach and present other creations in relief.
Precious encounters with artists, friends and art professionals
Exhibiting also means meeting people. During these intense days, I had the immense joy of welcoming friends from Belgium and France, happy to discover my Imaginary Planets in this prestigious place. These reunions are precious moments that nourish my journey as an artist. They are so many benevolent glances that help me to measure the path taken and to look forward with confidence.
I also met several members of the
HANG’ART collective, led by
Christelle Dupart, of which I am a member. This
collective of artists is a space for exchange where
collective creativity is expressed without constraint. Meeting in Paris in this context was a
moment of joyful sharing, where everyone was able to discover the progress of others, exchange ideas and consider future joint projects.
Photo Emmanuelle Callerame
An inspiring meeting with Emmanuelle Callerame, founder of The New Curator
Among the significant meetings of this ART Capital, I had the pleasure of welcoming Emmanuelle Callerame, founder of The New Curator. A true treasure hunter, Emmanuelle helps future buyers search for unique works, putting her expert eye at the service of those who wish to build a collection or simply find a favorite gem.
Her curious and benevolent gaze on my works, combined with the richness of our exchange, was a source of inspiration. Her approach, which combines passion and professionalism, shows how essential dialogue between artists, collectors and art conveyors is. This meeting reinforces my idea that each work finds its audience when it is presented by passionate conveyors, capable of transmitting the story and emotion that accompany it.
An enthusiastic welcome that encourages future exploration
Beyond the sales and enthusiastic feedback, what I remember most about ART Capital is the positive energy that emerged from these few days. Each exchange, each look at my Imaginary Planets, each question about my technique or my approach, nourishes my artistic reflection. This type of event reminds me how much art lives fully in the encounter, when the artist and the public meet and talk.
This welcome makes me want to continue exploring relief, to push this research on photographic material further. Between flat image and sculpture, between photography and art object, there is an immense playground where I am eager to venture.
ART Capital PARIS: a springboard to new horizons
In conclusion, this 2025 edition of ART Capital was much more than a simple exhibition. It was an immersive experience, a suspended time where human exchanges, artistic questioning and projections towards the future were mixed. I come out of it re-energized, with a deep desire to continue to question photography, to blur the line between image and volume, and to offer the public new forms of poetic escape.
Thank you to all those who accompanied me, supported me, advised me, or simply offered a smile or a curious look in front of one of my works. The adventure continues, and my Imaginary Planets have not finished turning.
