Drawing Now Paris and the Enduring Appeal of Contemporary Drawing
In his editorial for artpress, Richard Leydier explores the increasing fascination with contemporary drawing, particularly evident during the April art fairs in Paris: Drawing Now Paris (March 25–28), Salon du dessin (March 30–April 4), and FID (March 31–April 3). Philippe Piguet observes that a new wave of collectors is emerging, attracted by the affordability of drawings during the economic downturn and the fundamental link between drawing and human expression. Often referred to as the 'infancy of art,' drawing provides an immediate way to convey thoughts and liberates artists from technical limitations. This medium is varied, transcending traditional forms, as illustrated by artists like Benjamin Monti and Michael Riedel, while Jérôme Zonder’s work reflects a commitment to representational precision. Drawing continues to be diverse and ambiguous.
Key facts
- Drawing Now Paris runs March 25–28 at the Carrousel du Louvre.
- Salon du dessin takes place March 30–April 4 at the Palais de la Bourse.
- FID (March 31–April 3) at Cité internationale des arts presents student works from across Europe.
- Philippe Piguet states drawing collectors are a distinct and growing category.
- Lower prices of drawings attract collectors during economic crisis.
- Drawing's appeal is linked to its primal role in human expression since Lascaux and Chauvet caves.
- Contemporary drawing is diverse: nervous, diaristic, written, painterly, hybrid.
- Benjamin Monti and Michael Riedel incorporate photographs or printed images into drawings.
- Two-dimensionality keeps drawing in a virtual space, protecting it from formalist critique.
- Jérôme Zonder engages with tradition from Poussin to Beckmann and Goya.
Entities
Artists
- Philippe Piguet
- Benjamin Monti
- Michael Riedel
- Jérôme Zonder
- Poussin
- Beckmann
- Goya
Institutions
- Drawing Now Paris
- Salon du dessin
- FID
- Carrousel du Louvre
- Palais de la Bourse
- Cité internationale des arts
- artpress
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Carrousel du Louvre
- Palais de la Bourse
- Cité internationale des arts
- Lascaux
- Chauvet
Sources
- artpress —