Thomas Houseago and Théo Mercier Transform Reiffers Art Initiatives into Living Studios for Paris Mentorship Exhibition
Starting on October 23 and running until December 12, 2026, English sculptor Thomas Houseago, who has been residing in Los Angeles since 2004, will team up with French artist Théo Mercier for the sixth Reiffers Initiatives mentorship program at the Reiffers Art Center in Paris. The duo plans to create an exhibition that will be viewed as a studio rather than a mere reconstruction. Houseago, who regards Paris as his spiritual homeland, credits local collectors and intellectuals as essential to his artistic journey. His 2019 retrospective at the Musée d'Art moderne de Paris showcased a variety of sculptures and installations. Mercier, who has displayed his work in prominent Parisian venues, is also set to take part in Le Voyage à Nantes in the summer of 2026.
Key facts
- Thomas Houseago and Théo Mercier will exhibit together at the Reiffers Art Center in Paris from October 23 to December 12, 2026.
- The exhibition is part of the sixth edition of the Reiffers Initiatives mentorship program, launched in 2021.
- Houseago's 2019 retrospective Almost Human at the Musée d'Art moderne de Paris marked a turning point in his career.
- Houseago has spoken publicly about his depression and recovery, emphasizing mental health in his practice.
- The artists will use the two floors of the Reiffers Art Center as their respective studios, creating an interpretation of the studio rather than a reconstruction.
- Houseago collaborated with Nick Cave and Brad Pitt for the 2022 exhibition Thomas Houseago – We at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere, Finland.
- Théo Mercier has exhibited at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (2019), the Conciergerie (2022), and will be at Place Graslin in summer 2026 for Le Voyage à Nantes.
- Previous Reiffers mentorship pairs include Ugo Rondinone & Tarek Lakhrissi (2024) and Daniel Buren & Miles Greenberg (2025).
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Houseago
- Théo Mercier
- Mark Rothko
- Fra Angelico
- Louise Bourgeois
- Rodin
- Nick Cave
- Brad Pitt
- Ugo Rondinone
- Tarek Lakhrissi
- Daniel Buren
- Miles Greenberg
- François Pinault
- Caroline Bourgeois
- Fabrice Hergott
- Donatien Grau
Institutions
- Beaux Arts Magazine
- Reiffers Initiatives
- Reiffers Art Center
- Musée d'Art moderne de Paris
- Gagosian
- Centre Pompidou-Metz
- Sara Hildén Art Museum
- Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
- Conciergerie
- Le Voyage à Nantes
- Kunstgiesserei St. Gallen
- Reiffers Art Initiatives
- Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris
- Villa Médicis
- Prix Marcel-Duchamp
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Malibu
- Los Angeles
- United States
- California
- Tampere
- Finland
- London
- United Kingdom
- Metz
- Nantes
- Provence
- Château de Miraval
- Place Graslin
- 30 Rue des Acacias
- 75017 Paris
- Leeds
- 30 rue des Acacias
- Métro Argentine