French Art World Adapts to Lockdown with Digital Initiatives

During the COVID-19 lockdown in France, cultural institutions and artists have pivoted to digital platforms to maintain engagement. The Centre Pompidou launched a digital content platform featuring past exhibitions like Victor Vasarely and Christian Boltanski, while its retrospective 'Paris!' for Christo and Jeanne-Claude was closed mid-installation. The Grand Palais' 'Pompéi' exhibition offers immersive 3D reconstructions and augmented reality experiences online. Rubis Mécénat's 'ART(ist)' series features films by Alexander Murphy on artists like Stéphane Thidet, Geert Goiris, and Tshepiso Mazibuko. Artist Joël Andrianomearisoa created 'From Home', a collection of limited-edition works made from everyday objects, viewable online via Sabrina Amrani gallery. Kaws' augmented reality sculpture 'Companion' appeared at twelve global landmarks via Acute Art, directed by Daniel Birnbaum. The article also notes the deaths of composer Krzysztof Penderecki and the hospitalization of singer Christophe due to COVID-19.