Air de Paris Gallery Closes After 36 Years, Over 400 Exhibitions

This week, the iconic Paris gallery Air de Paris, which has been around for 36 years and held more than 400 exhibitions, is closing its doors due to bankruptcy. Founded in 1990 by Florence Bonnefous and Edouard Merino, it played a key role in contemporary art by promoting both avant-garde and emerging talents. Its final show, titled “Oh What a Time,” featured artists like Joseph Grigely and Trisha Donnelly, mainly drawn from Bonnefous's own collection. The closure stems from financial difficulties, Bonnefous’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Merino’s health challenges, compounded by their choice to avoid the profit-driven art market. A year ago, they withdrew from Art Basel, denouncing art’s commercialization. Bonnefous plans to keep working with certain artists and curate exhibitions, including one at her Limousin home. They were inspired by a 1968 bankruptcy notice from George Brecht and Robert Filliou.