Brion Gysin's Overlooked Genius Celebrated in Paris Exhibitions
The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (MAM) is currently showcasing "Brion Gysin. Le dernier musée," marking the first comprehensive retrospective of Gysin's work, which will be on display until July 12. The exhibition encompasses more than 140 pieces, primarily concentrating on his paintings while excluding sound elements. Additionally, a complementary exhibition titled "UNDERWOOD 2246449-5 (LES DIABLES DE BRION)," curated by Nathalie Heidsieck de Saint Phalle, Catherine Thieck, and Ramuntcho Matta, features figures not included in the main show. Gysin (1916–1986), a key figure of the Beat Generation, is known for creating the Cut-up technique and Dreamachine, with themes revolving around dreams, psychedelics, and travel, alongside notable artists like William Burroughs and Patti Smith. His 1973 journey to Persia and sound poems are also part of the MAM display, which features the Dreamachine and "Calligraffiti of Fire" (1985).
Key facts
- MAM hosts 'Brion Gysin. Le dernier musée' until July 12, first retrospective with over 140 works.
- Counter-exhibition 'UNDERWOOD 2246449-5 (LES DIABLES DE BRION)' organized by Nathalie Heidsieck de Saint Phalle, Catherine Thieck, and Ramuntcho Matta.
- Gysin invented the Cut-up technique and the Dreamachine.
- Gysin associated with William Burroughs, John Giorno, Keith Haring, Patti Smith, Françoise Janicot, Bernard Heidsieck, Ramuntcho Matta.
- Nathalie Heidsieck published 'Voyage à Alamut' in 2026 about Gysin's 1973 Persia trip.
- Vinyl of Gysin's recordings released March 2026, produced by Ramuntcho Matta.
- IRCAM event in May 2026 honored Gysin's sound poems with Olivier Weil, Michaël Batalla, Oana Avasilichioaei.
- Dreamachine exhibited: a stroboscopic device meant to be viewed with eyes closed.
Entities
Artists
- Brion Gysin
- William Burroughs
- John Giorno
- Keith Haring
- Patti Smith
- Françoise Janicot
- Bernard Heidsieck
- Ramuntcho Matta
- Nathalie Heidsieck de Saint Phalle
- Catherine Thieck
- Olivier Weil
- Michaël Batalla
- Oana Avasilichioaei
- Lawrence Lacina
- Philip Heying
- Jean-Jacques Lebel
- André Breton
- Timothy Leary
- Roberto Matta
- Gordon Matta-Clark
- Ian Sommerville
- William S. Burroughs
- Paul Bowles
- Francis Bacon
- Allen Ginsberg
- Mohamed Choukri
- Mohammed Mrabet
- Mohamed Hamri
- Max Ernst
- Salvador Dalí
- René Magritte
- Henri Michaux
- Peggy Guggenheim
- Jackson Pollock
- George Maciunas
- Ugo Rondinone
- Antony Balch
- Renzo Piano
- Richard Rodgers
- Brian Jones
- Laurie Anderson
- Richard Rogers
Institutions
- Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
- Institut de recherche scientifique et création musicale (IRCAM)
- Centre Pompidou
- New Galerie
- Beat Hotel
- Sorbonne
- Théâtre de la Bastille
- Cahiers d’Art
- Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris
- Shakespeare and Company
- Galerie Aux Quatre Chemins
- Galerie de France
- Palais de Tokyo
- Beaux Arts Magazine
- Connaissance des Arts
- Pompidou Center
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Taplow
- United Kingdom
- Tangeri
- Morocco
- Alamut
- Persia
- Iran
- Quai de Bourbon
- Île Saint Louis
- rue Gît-le-Cœur
- Beaubourg
- Tangier
- Venice
- Italy
- New York
- United States
- Rome
- Sahara
- Marrakech
- Jajouka
- Rif
- La Ciotat
- Marseille
- rue Gît-le-Coeur
- 135 rue Saint-Martin
- 11 Avenue du Président Wilson
- England
- Canada
- Great Britain
- Spain
- Greece
- Algeria
- 11 Avenue du Président Wilson 75116 Paris
- 9, rue Gît le-Cœur, Paris 6th