Salon de l'extra-terrestre at FORMA: Contemporary Art Reimagines Space

The FORMA centre d'exposition in Paris hosts the Salon de l'extra-terrestre from September 25 to 27, 2026, a three-day contemporary art event curated by Gérard Azoulay. The exhibition, organized by the Observatoire de l'Espace, the cultural laboratory of the CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies), features twenty-two artists including Jeanne Susplugas, Pat Andrea, Virginie Yassef, Raphaël Dallaporta, and Grégory Chatonsky. The show aims to challenge conventional space mythologies, moving beyond green aliens and science-fiction fantasies. Works include a 3D-printed purple egg that appears to stare at viewers, a tapestry disrupted by glitches, and an astronaut in lunar communion. Azoulay describes the approach as 'ironie acide' (acid irony), intended to strip the extraterrestrial of mystifying clichés. The exhibition is less about outer space and more about human existence on Earth, using absurd and intelligent contemporary art to reflect on our relationship with the planet. The venue is located at 127 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, near the Filles du Calvaire metro station (line 8). Opening hours are Friday to Saturday 13:00-20:00 and Sunday 13:00-18:00, with free entry.